Description

Oil Dedicated to Blessed William Tirry (Martyr)

Blessed William Tirry martyred because he chose loyalty to God and Church over obedience to civil authority.

Born in Cork, Ireland in 1608. His uncle Bishop of the Diocese of Cork-Cloyne.

William entered the Augustinian Order in Cork. He must have been a promising student, sent for studies in Valladolid, Spain and Paris, France. Following completion of his courses in Paris, he spend five years (1636-1641) in Brussels, Belgium.

He returned to Ireland in 1641. A few years later, when hostilities broke out in Ireland, Augustinian community life became impossible. William went to serve for a time on the staff of his uncle, the Bishop. Later named Secretary of his Augustinian province.

Chosen in 1649 as Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian house in Skreen. However, Oliver Cromwell’s troops would not permit him to live there.

A law enacted January 6, 1653 declared that any Roman Catholic priest in Ireland guilty of treason. William and other priests forced into hiding. Three men betrayed William in return for money. Arrested March 25, 1654, Holy Thursday, as he preparing to celebrate the Eucharist.

While awaiting trial, imprisoned at Clonmel. Here, his spirit of prayer and penance helped to inspire the other priests who also incarcerated there.