Joseph Mullooly facts for kids
Joseph Mullooly (born March 19, 1812 – died June 25, 1880) was an important Irish Roman Catholic priest. He belonged to the Dominican Order, a group of priests and brothers. Joseph Mullooly was also a skilled archaeologist. He came from a place called Lehery near Lanesborough in County Longford, Ireland. He is famous for digging up and exploring an ancient temple of Mithras in Rome. This temple was found deep under a church called the Basilica of San Clemente. Mithras was an ancient god from the Roman Empire, and his worship was popular around the time of Emperor Nero.
Contents
A Life of Learning and Discovery
In 1849, Joseph Mullooly became a teacher of sacred theology. He taught at the College of Saint Thomas in Rome. This college later became a very important university, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum.
Uncovering Rome's Past
Mullooly wrote a book about his amazing discoveries. The book was called Saint Clement, Pope and Martyr, and His Basilica in Rome. It was all about his excavation project at the San Clemente church. His work showed how many layers of history were hidden beneath the modern city.
Protecting Ancient Treasures
Joseph Mullooly was very brave and wanted to keep old artifacts safe. This was clear when he defended the Basilica of San Clemente from being destroyed. In 1848, a group of revolutionary soldiers led by Giuseppe Garibaldi took control of Rome. Even after the Pope had to leave the Vatican, Mullooly stayed. He bravely protected his church and its ancient treasures.
An Irish Connection in Rome
Mullooly wanted to show that San Clemente was an important place for Irish Dominicans. He also wanted to highlight its connection to Ireland. He called it ‘Collegium Hiberniae Dominicanae de Urbe’. This means 'The Irish Dominican College of the City'. It was even under the protection of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
A Royal Visit to San Clemente
Princess Alice, who was a daughter of Queen Victoria, visited Rome in April 1873. She wrote a letter to her mother, Queen Victoria, on April 9, 1873. In her letter, she mentioned that Father Mullooly had shown her around San Clemente. She wrote, "We visited San Clemente two days ago, and Father Mulooly [sic] took us through the three churches - one under the other." This shows how important Mullooly's work was, even attracting royal visitors.
See also
- Dominicans in Ireland
