Oliver Plunkett was Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland during a time of persecution. While caring for his people, he was caught up in a false conspiracy charge and executed in London in 1681.
Life
Oliver Plunkett was born in 1625 in County Meath, Ireland. Because the Catholic faith was suppressed in Ireland at the time, he went to Rome to study and was ordained a priest there, and for some years he taught theology in Rome.
In 1669 he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and returned home. Despite persecution he visited his diocese, confirmed great numbers of the faithful, and worked to form priests and establish schools. When persecution grew harsher, he went into hiding and continued his ministry.
But when false accusations spread in England that Catholics were plotting rebellion, he was arrested and given an unjust trial in London. He was executed at Tyburn in 1681 and canonized in 1975.
Spirituality
The spirituality of St. Oliver Plunkett is the love of a good shepherd who does not abandon his flock even in danger. In an age of persecution he never stopped teaching the faithful and caring for them through the sacraments. Facing death, he did not hate his enemies but offered himself to God with a forgiving heart.
Reflection
St. Oliver Plunkett stayed by his people in a hard time. Why not pray today for the bishops and priests who labor for us, and take up one share of service for our community myself?