As Ireland marks 250 years since the birth of The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, Church leaders have hailed his enduring legacy of peaceful leadership and deep faith.
Bishop Ray Browne of Kerry spoke at the commemorations in Cahersiveen, near O’Connell’s birthplace. “Daniel O’Connell was an exceptional leader of the Irish people,” he said. “His total commitment was to leadership by peaceful means.” Bishop Browne also made note that the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church of the Holy Cross, where he was baptised, is set to reopen after renovations in preparation for the celebrations.
Bishop Nial Coll of Ossory praised O’Connell’s role in securing Catholic Emancipation in 1829, calling it “immense.” He highlighted O’Connell’s reputation across Europe, noting his defence of religious liberty, non-violent politics, and the rights of the oppressed.
O’Connell’s refusal to take the anti-Catholic oath at Westminster is remembered in words attributed to him: “I at once reject this declaration, part of it I believe to be untrue, and the rest I know to be false.”
“He bequeathed his soul to God, his body to Ireland, and his heart to Rome.” So reads the inscription beneath Daniel O’Connell’s heart in the Irish College in Rome, where a monument honours the great Catholic statesman who died en route to the Eternal City in 1847.
