Dominican Bishop and Martyr (1600-1651)
+ Terence was born in Cappamore, County Limerick, Ireland.
+ After entering the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), where he was known by the religious name “Albert”, he was sent to study in Toledo, Spain, and Limerick, Ireland. He would later serve as provincial for the Dominicans in Ireland.
+ He was consecrated co-adjutor bishop of Emly, Ireland, in 1647 and he worked to defend the rights of Catholics during the Irish Confederate Wars.
+ Bishop O’Brien served the wounded and supported Confederate soldiers throughout the war and opposed a treaty which did not guarantee safety for Catholics.
+ The same year as his episcopal consecration, Limerick was attacked and O’Brien urged Catholics to resist the Protestant forces. He subsequently surrendered but was condemned to death. When given the opportunity to save himself by acknowledging the English king as head of the Church, he staunchly refused.
+ Blessed Terence Albert O’Brien was beatified in 1992 with 16 other Irish martyrs.
For prayer and reflection
“The Martyrs’ significance for today lies int eh fact that their testimony shatters the vain claim to live one’s life or to build a model of society without an integral vision of our human destiny, without reference to our eternal calling, without transcendence.”—Pope Saint John Paul II at the beatification of the Irish Martyrs
Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Terence Albert to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.