St. Oliver Plunkett - July 11th
Oliver was an Irishman who went to Rome when he was sixteen to become a priest. After he was ordained, he could not go back to Ireland because of the persecution there, so he became a teacher of theology in Rome. For twelve years, he led a busy and virtuous life until the Pope made him Archbishop of the most important diocese in Ireland.
St. Oliver was able to labor for his people only two years before a new persecution forced him to go into hiding. But in those two years he put new fervor and love of God into the hearts of the Catholics in Ireland. He converted many desperate bandits; he made peace between disagreeing groups; he corrected wrong practices, and he won the love and respect even of the Church’s enemies.
This holy Archbishop was inclined to be touchy and hot-tempered, but his humility and charity kept his temper under control. In fact, he defended a bishop who had had disagreement with him and even cared for him tenderly when the bishop lay dying in prison.
St. Oliver was put to death for the Faith, after spending nine months in jail himself. Always cheerful and kind, he prayed for his enemies before he died.
Those who truly love God also love their neighbors, and willingly sacrifice themselves for them.
