Francis Harold facts for kids

Francis Harold was an Irish friar and writer who lived a long time ago. He was part of a group called the Franciscans. He wrote about history and important events. Francis Harold died on March 18, 1685.

Francis Harold's Life and Work

Francis Harold spent some time teaching theology. This was at the Irish College in Prague, a city in Europe. Later, he moved to Rome, Italy. He lived the rest of his life there at the Irish Franciscan College of St. Isidore. At this college, he worked as a librarian, looking after many books.

Important Books and Writings

While in Rome, Francis Harold published several important books.

Summarizing History

In 1662, he published a summary of the "Annals" written by his uncle, Friar Luke Wadding. An "annal" is like a historical record, listing events year by year. Harold's summary covered events from 1208 to 1540. He also included a story about his uncle's life. He dedicated this book to a very important person called Cardinal Francesco Barberini. This story about Wadding's life was published again in Rome in 1731.

Life of a Bishop

Francis Harold also wrote a book called Beati Thuribii Alphonsi Mogroveii archiepiscopi Limensis vita exemplaris. This book was published in Rome in 1683. It was about the life of a bishop named Thuribius Alphonsus Mogroveius. Today, you can still find a copy of this book with Harold's own handwritten notes in the library of the Royal Irish Academy.

Church Documents

Another book he wrote was Lima Limata conciliis, constitutionibus synodalibus et aliis monumentis . . . notis et scholiis illustrata. This was published in Rome in 1673. It was a collection of important documents. These documents were about church meetings, called synods, and other important matters for the Catholic Church in Peru.

His Final Years

Francis Harold passed away in Rome on March 18, 1685.