Christopher Bodkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Styles ofChristopher Bodkin |
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| Reference style | The Most Reverend |
| Spoken style | Your Grace or Archbishop |
Christopher Bodkin (also known as Bodkyn or Bodekin) was an important Irish church leader who lived in the 1500s. He was the Archbishop of Tuam and also the Bishop of Kilmacduagh. This was during a big change in Ireland called the Irish Reformation, when many people were deciding whether to follow the Pope or the King of England as the head of the church.
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Who Was Christopher Bodkin?
Christopher Bodkin became the Bishop of Kilmacduagh on September 3, 1533. He was officially made a bishop on November 4, 1533. Just four years later, a major event happened: he agreed to accept the Royal Supremacy. This meant he recognized King Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church in England and Ireland, instead of the Pope.
Becoming Archbishop
Because he accepted the King's authority, King Henry VIII appointed him as the Archbishop of Tuam on February 15, 1537. Even though he became an Archbishop, he still kept his role as Bishop of Kilmacduagh. In early 1539, he took an important promise called the Oath of Supremacy in a town called Clonmel. This oath was a public promise to support the King as the head of the church.
Challenges and Changes
Not everyone agreed with the King's new role in the church. The Pope, who was the traditional head of the Catholic Church, appointed other people to lead the churches in Tuam and Kilmacduagh. These people were Arthur O'Friel for Tuam and Cornelius O'Dea for Kilmacduagh. However, they were not able to take control of these church areas.
Later, when Queen Mary I became queen, things changed again. Queen Mary was a Catholic and wanted to bring the church back under the Pope's authority. Christopher Bodkin was forgiven for following the King's rules by a church leader named Cardinal Pole. On October 7, 1555, he was officially appointed to manage the churches in Tuam and Kilmacduagh for the Pope.
Serving Under Queen Elizabeth I
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, the church leadership changed once more. Queen Elizabeth I was a Protestant, like her father King Henry VIII. Christopher Bodkin kept his positions as Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Kilmacduagh. In 1560, he again took the Oath of Supremacy, recognizing Queen Elizabeth I as the Supreme Governor of the Church. He continued to serve in these important roles until he passed away in 1572.
