Deepertruth: The Saint Oliver Plunkett Story

The Saint  Oliver Plunkett Story 7/2/2023

Oliver Plunkett, a 17th-century Irish martyr, became Ireland's first new saint in nearly 700 years after being canonized in 1975. In 1997, he was deemed the country's patron saint for peace and reconciliation.

The English martyred Oliver Plunkett for defending the 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.

In 1679, Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and falsely charged with treason. This man of peace was accused of plotting to bring 20 000 French soldiers to Ireland. He was taken to London to stand trial and because he was not given time to arrange his defense. Archbishop Plunkett was found guilty and sentenced to death.

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.

1673 brought a renewal of religious persecution, and bishops were banned by edict. Archbishop Plunkett went into hiding, suffering a great deal from cold and hunger.

His many letters showed his determination not to abandon his people, but to remain a faithful shepherd. He thanked God "Who gave us the grace to suffer for the chair of Peter."