John Houling facts for kids
John Houling was an Irish Jesuit priest who lived from around 1539 to 1599. He was an important religious figure who helped many people and even started a college.
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John Houling's Life and Work
John Houling was born in Wexford, Ireland, around the year 1539. In 1571, he joined a religious group called the Society of Jesus, whose members are known as Jesuits. Jesuits are Catholic priests and brothers who dedicate their lives to serving God and others.
As a Jesuit, John Houling traveled quite a bit. Records show he was in Alcalá de Henares (a city in Spain) in 1578. He was in Rome, Italy, in 1580, and later in Lisbon, Portugal, by 1583.
Helping Irish People in Lisbon
In Lisbon, John Houling worked for many years helping his fellow Irish people. Many Irish had come to Lisbon for trade or because they were facing difficult times in Ireland. He helped them with their spiritual needs and supported them.
In 1593, with the help of another priest named Father Peter Fonseca, Houling started a college in Lisbon. This college was named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Its main purpose was to educate young Irish Roman Catholics.
His Final Days
In 1599, a serious illness called the plague spread through Lisbon. John Houling bravely helped those who were sick, caring for their bodies and their spirits. Sadly, while helping others, he caught the plague himself. He passed away on December 31, 1599.
People like Fitzsimon and Coppinger, who were important figures at the time, thought very highly of John Houling.
John Houling's Writings
John Houling also wrote a book in Latin. The full title was Perbreve compendiium in quocontinentur nonnulli eorum qui Hybernia regnante impia Regina Elizabeth, vincula, exilium et martyrium perp?essi sunt.
This long title basically means "A Short Summary of Some of Those Who Suffered Imprisonment, Exile, and Martyrdom in Ireland During the Reign of the Impious Queen Elizabeth."
The book was printed from a handwritten copy found in Salamanca, Spain. Cardinal Moran later included it in his collection called 'Spicilegium Ossoriense.' This book is very valuable because John Houling knew many of the people whose lives he wrote about.
