The Saints: St. Oliver Plunkett

1625-1681 / Feast – July 1
Born to a landed Irish family, Oliver studied at Rome’s Irish College, but after his 1654 ordination could not return to Ireland because of England’s Penal Laws. In 1669, he returned as archbishop of Armagh, disguised as a swordbearing captain. For 10 years he ministered openly or secretly, depending on the level of persecution, and confirmed 10,000 people. But he was arrested in 1679 and tried illegally in London for treason. Found guilty, he was hanged, drawn and quartered. From prison he said the death he faced at Tyburn was but a “fleabiting” next to Christ’s passion.

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