Glorious Martyr, Oliver, who willingly

gave your life for your faith,

help us also to be strong in faith.

May we be loyal like you

to the See of Peter.

By your intercession and example

may all hatred and bitterness

be banished from the hearts

of Irish men and women.  

May the peace of Christ reign

in our hearts,

as it did in your heart,

even at the moment of your death.

Pray for us and for Ireland.  Amen.

St Oliver Plunkett was born at Loughcrew, Oldcastle in 1625, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1654, later he was appointed as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland in 1669.  Oliver Plunkett was executed in Tyburn, England on 1 July 1681,where he was hanged, drawn, and quartered for treason and “promoting the Roman faith.”  Today he is recognised as a patron of peace and reconciliation.