Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire facts for kids

Styles of Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire
Reference style	The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Grace or Archbishop

Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire (born around 1560 – died November 18, 1629) was an important Irish Franciscan friar and theologian. He was also known as Florence Conry. He founded the College of St Anthony of Padua in Leuven and became the Archbishop of Tuam.

Early Life and Education

Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire was born in a place called Figh, in County Roscommon, Ireland. His parents were Fíthil and Onóra Ó Maolchonaire. His family was well-known for being historians and poets. Flaithrí grew up learning these family traditions.

He went to Salamanca, Spain, to study for the priesthood. He joined the Irish college there in 1592. Flaithrí first studied subjects like liberal arts and philosophy. In 1593, he translated a Spanish catechism (a book of religious teachings) into Irish. This showed his early dedication to his faith and language.

After five years, Flaithrí joined the Franciscan order in Santiago. Many of his classmates, including Aodh Mac Cathmhaoil, also became bishops later on.

Helping Ireland During Wartime

During the Nine Years' War (a major conflict in Ireland), Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire returned to Ireland. He served as a religious adviser and preacher to the Irish troops. These troops were led by important figures like Hugh O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell.

After the Irish forces lost the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, Ó Maolchonaire went to Spain with Red Hugh O'Donnell. They hoped to get more military help from Spain for Ireland.

Efforts in Spain

In Spain, Ó Maolchonaire tried to arrange a meeting for O'Donnell with King Philip III. However, they were kept waiting by the Spanish court. O'Donnell became very ill and died in Simancas. Ó Maolchonaire was with him at the end. O'Donnell was buried in a Franciscan church in Valladolid.

Even after O'Donnell's death, Ó Maolchonaire continued to seek support for Ireland. He helped Irish exiles in Spain, securing money for widows, orphans, and religious leaders. He also helped Irish soldiers join Spanish military groups.

Founding a College in Leuven

In 1606, Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire became the head of the Irish Franciscans. His most important achievement during this time was founding a new Irish Franciscan college. This college was built in Leuven, in what is now Belgium.

He started working on this idea a year before his appointment. He asked the Spanish king for help. Many Franciscan houses in Ireland had been destroyed during the war, so a new college was very much needed. King Philip III agreed to provide money for the college. This college became very important for the Catholic mission in Ireland. It also had the first and most active Irish printing press outside of Ireland.

Role in the Flight of the Earls

In 1607, Hugh O'Neill and Rory O'Donnell left Ireland in an event known as the Flight of the Earls. Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire went with them to Rome, acting as their interpreter and adviser.

As a reward for his dedication, King Philip III and Pope Paul V offered Ó Maolchonaire the position of Archbishop of Tuam. On May 3, 1609, he was made archbishop in Rome. He then returned to Madrid to continue working on behalf of Hugh O'Neill.

Advising on New World Settlements

In 1610, Ó Maolchonaire shared an interesting document with the Spanish Council. It was a translation of an Irish statement by Francis Maguire. This statement described Maguire's observations of the earliest English settlements in Virginia (part of the New World) and the lives of the Native American tribes there.

Ó Maolchonaire also wrote to Catholic members of the Irish Parliament. He criticized them for agreeing to a law that took away the lands of O'Neill and O'Donnell.

Even though he was the Archbishop of Tuam, Ó Maolchonaire never actually lived in his archdiocese. He continued to live in Madrid and Leuven. He was a key go-between for Irish matters, much like other important Irish clergy of his time. In 1626, he even suggested that Spain should invade Ireland.

Lasting Impact

Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire passed away in Madrid on November 18, 1629, at the age of 69. In 1654, his remains were brought back to the College of St Anthony of Padua in Leuven. He was buried in the college chapel. An inscription on his grave praised his virtues, learning, and love for his country.

Written Works

Ó Maolchonaire's most famous written work was published in Leuven in 1616. It was called Sgáthán an Chrábhaidh (Mirror of Devotion). This book was an Irish translation of a popular story about religious life. He made some changes to the original, adding parts that encouraged Irish Catholics to stay true to their faith.

He also published other important religious works. These books discussed complex ideas about faith and human nature. Many of his letters, written in Spanish, Latin, and Italian, still exist today.

Family Connections

Flaithrí Ó Maolchonaire came from a long line of scholars and historians. His family, the Ó Maolchonaire, were well-known in Ireland.