CrucisSt. Oliver Plunkett
St. Oliver Plunkett was born on 1 November 1625 at Loughcrew in County Meath, Ireland, of a distinguished family, and was sent to Rome for his studies, where he was ordained and remained for many years as a professor and agent for the Irish bishops. In 1669 he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, returning to shepherd a Church crushed by penal laws under English rule.
With tireless zeal he confirmed thousands, ordained priests, held synods, and labored to reform and strengthen the persecuted Catholics of Ireland, often in hiding and hardship. When the fabricated "Popish Plot" unleashed a fresh wave of anti-Catholic hysteria, he was arrested, and unable to secure a fair trial in Ireland, was brought to London on false charges of treason. Convicted on perjured evidence, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn on 1 July 1681, the last Catholic martyr to die there. Canonized in 1975, he is celebrated on that day.
Selected quotes
“Forgive your accusers freely, for forgiveness is the last and greatest sermon.”
“Die without rancor, commending your enemies to the mercy of God.”
“Work for peace among the faithful, even when the world sows division.”