File:History of the Catholic archbishops of Dublin since the reformation, Volume 1 Part 1 (IA HistoryOfTheCatholicArchbishopsOfDublinV1).pdf

TO THE READER.

The following introductory chapters may be found useful, in preparing the reader for the perusal of the history of the holy and illustrious Irish Catholic Archbishops who filled the see of Dublin since the Reformation. In this introduction, the first attempts to root out the ancient religion of Ireland, the unworthy arts by which the Catholic Church was assailed, and the evil effects of the Reformation, are briefly described, and a sketch is given of the long and cruel persecutions which our forefathers, emulating the constancy of the early Christians, so gloriously suffered for their faith, in the days of Henry VIII. and Queen Elizabeth. The sad condition to which the confiscation of Catholic property, the destruction of colleges and monasteries, the dispersion of the clergy, violence and penal laws — the offspring of a cruel and hypocritical despotism — had reduced our country at that period, will explain why the see of Dublin was so long deprived of pastors during the sixteenth century. At the same time every Irish Catholic, when considering the calamities which fell on our country in the unhappy days of the Reformation, cannot but be filled with gratitude to God, for having preserved our ancient and venerable Church, from the destruction with which she was menaced by so many powerful and perfidious enemies; and having protected her in a miraculous manner, through centuries of darkness and desolation. The goodness of God, the power of faith, that victory which overcometh the world, were never more fully displayed than in the period to which we refer. The introduction is divided into four chapters: — 1. The first efforts of the English government to introduce the Reformation into Ireland. 2. The appointment of Hugh Curvvin to the see of Dublin, and his apostacy. 3. Vacancy of the see after the apostacy of Curwin, and how the diocese was administered until the end of the sixteenth century. 4. Persecution of the Irish Catholics during the reign of Elizabeth. To these chapters we add an Appendix, containing an account of the succession of the Catholic bishops in the various sees of Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth. The facts stated in this appendix will show, that the succession of our Irish Catholic bishops has remained unbroken, that the people of Ireland never abandoned the true faith, and that the theories of Dr. Mant, and of Dr. Todd in his late life of St. Patrick, on this subject, are without foundation.

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Record derived from Internet Archive. Part of the University of Toronto collection

Smcnc1489

V.1 (viii, 478 p.) ; lacking other volumes, likely no more published

Includes bibliographical references

Subjects: Bishops -- Ireland -- Dublin -- Biography; Catholic Church -- Ireland -- Dublin -- Bishops -- Biography; Catholic Church -- Ireland -- Dublin -- Bishops -- History; Catholic Church; Bishops; Erzbischof