“I am exhorting the brethren to constancy and not to abandon their flocks, but to imitate the pastors of the first three centuries and withdraw to some corner of their districts until the storm passes.”

Oliver was born of a Baron in Loughcrew Ireland in 1629 with 4 other siblings. He came from an aristocratic family in an age when it meant power and wealth had a sharp contrast with the people but it kept him from both religious discrimination and poverty which gripped the country. Having great influence from his cousin Patrick, who supervised his education and who was also the parish priest, he went to study for the priesthood and in 1654 he was ordained in Rome.

Due to religious persecution in his native land, it was not possible for him to return and therefore he taught in Rome until 1669 when he was appointed Archbishop.

He soon established himself as a man of peace and with religious fervor. He set about visiting his people, establishing schools, ordaining priests and confirming thousands.

1673 brought a renewal of severe religious persecution and bishops were banned by edict. He was forced into hiding and suffered greatly from cold and hunger. He was determined not to abandon his people. In 1679 he was arrested and falsely charged with treason but the government in power could not get him convicted at his trial. He was taken to London and unable to defend himself. With the help of perjured witnesses from Ireland, he was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

With deep serenity of soul, he was prepared to die, refusing to save himself by giving false evidence against his fellow bishops. He forgave all those who were responsible for his death. He was canonized in 1975, making him the first new Irish saint for almost 700 years.

He is the patron saint of peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

His feast day is July 1.

For God’s Glory.