The English martyred Oliver Plunkett for defending the Catholic faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. Born in County Meath in 1629, Oliver studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there in 1654. After some years of teaching and service to the poor of Rome he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh.
Four years later, in 1673, a new wave of anti-Catholic persecution began, forcing Archbishop Plunkett to do his pastoral work in secrecy and disguise and to live in hiding. Meanwhile, many of his priests were sent into exile, schools were closed, Church services had to be held in secret, and convents and seminaries were suppressed. As Archbishop, Plunkett was viewed as ultimately responsible for any rebellion or political activity among his parishioners. Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle in 1679, but his trial was moved to London. After deliberating for 15 minutes, a jury found him guilty of fomenting revolt. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered in July 1681.
Pope Saint Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975.
Stories like that of Oliver Plunkett seem to fit history. “Things like that don’t happen today” is often our thought. But they do. False accusations, prejudice, anti-Catholic sentiments etc. are still an active reality in our day. Perhaps a prayer to Saint Oliver for peace might be appropriate.
PRAYER TO ST OLIVER PLUNKETT
Glorious martyr, Saint Oliver Plunkett,
who willingly gave your life for the faith,
help us also to be strong in our faith.
By your intercession and example
may all hatred and bitterness be banished
from the hearts of 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.
Amen.
St. Oliver Plunkett’s feast day is July 1st