Desmond Connell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Desmond Connell |
|
|---|---|
| Cardinal, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland |
|
 |
|
| Archdiocese | Dublin |
| Enthroned | 21 January 1988 (appointed) |
| Reign ended | 26 April 2004 (retired) |
| Predecessor | Kevin McNamara |
| Successor | Diarmuid Martin |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 19 May 1951 (Priest) |
| Consecration | 6 March 1988 (Archbishop) |
| Created Cardinal | 21 February 2001 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest of S. Silvestri in Capite |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 March 1926 Phibsboro, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 21 February 2017 (aged 90) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | Clonliffe College University College Dublin Maynooth College University of Leuven |
| Coat of arms |  |
Desmond Connell (24 March 1926 – 21 February 2017) was an important Irish cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the Archbishop of Dublin and was also known as the Primate of Ireland. Cardinal Connell passed away on 21 February 2017, when he was 90 years old.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Desmond Connell was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 24 March 1926. His father, John, worked as a civil servant, and his mother, Mary Lacy, was a telephone operator.
He attended St Peter's National School in Phibsboro. Later, he went to Belvedere College, a school run by the Jesuits. He then began his studies to become a priest at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe.
Connell also studied Arts at University College Dublin (UCD), earning his first degree in 1946. He received a Master of Arts degree the following year. From 1947 to 1951, he studied theology at St Patrick's College, Maynooth. He continued his studies in Belgium at the Pontifical University of Leuven. There, he earned a doctorate in Philosophy in 1953. In 1981, he was awarded another special degree, a Doctor of Letters, by the National University of Ireland.
Becoming a Priest and Archbishop
Desmond Connell became a priest in 1951. He was ordained by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. He also had a career as a teacher and researcher at University College Dublin. He worked in the Department of Metaphysics, which is a branch of philosophy. In 1972, he became a professor. Later, in 1983, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology at the university.
Archbishop of Dublin
On 21 January 1988, Desmond Connell was chosen to be the Archbishop of Dublin by the Holy See, which is the central government of the Catholic Church. He was officially consecrated, meaning he became an archbishop, on 6 March 1988. This ceremony took place at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin.
As Archbishop, Connell often spoke about important social issues. He talked about unemployment, the challenges faced by Travellers (a nomadic ethnic group), and helping people who were disadvantaged.
Becoming a Cardinal
On 21 February 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal-Priest in Rome. This is a very high rank in the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Connell retired as Archbishop on 26 April 2004. He handed over his role to Diarmuid Martin. Catholic bishops usually offer their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75. Cardinal Connell's resignation was accepted shortly after his 78th birthday. He continued to participate in important church events, like the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 2012.
Papal Conclave
Cardinal Connell was one of the cardinals who voted in the 2005 papal conclave. This was the special meeting where cardinals chose a new Pope, and they selected Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Connell was known for supporting traditional Catholic teachings.
Published Works
Desmond Connell wrote several books and letters about philosophy and religious topics. Some of his works include:
- Essays in metaphysics, Four Court Press, Blackrock, County Dublin, 1996 ISBN: 1-85182-228-3
- Christian integrity: does it matter? : pastoral letter for Lent 1992, Veritas, Dublin, 1992 ISBN: 1-85390-205-5
- Christ our life: pastoral letter 1993, Veritas Publications, 1993 ISBN: 1-85390-286-1
- Christ our life: pastoral letters, 1988–95, Four Courts Press, Blackrock, Co. Dublin ISBN: 1-85182-207-0
A book was also published in his honor:
- At the heart of the real: philosophical essays in honour of Dr Desmond Connell, Archbishop of Dublin edited by Fran O'Rourke, Irish Academic Press, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 1992 ISBN: 0-7165-2464-3 .
Episcopal Motto
Cardinal Connell's special motto as a bishop was Secundum Verbum Tuum. This Latin phrase means According to Thy Word. It comes from a Bible verse where Mary responds to God's message, saying, "Be it done unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).
Images for kids
-
Desmond Connell's coat of arms
See also
In Spanish: Desmond Connell para niños
