Mary Gabriel Martyn facts for kids

Maria Gabriel Martyn (1604–1672) was an important leader, known as an Abbess, of the Poor Clares in Galway. The Poor Clares are a group of nuns who dedicate their lives to God.

Early Life and Family

Maria Gabriel Martyn was born Helen Martyn in 1604. She belonged to one of The Tribes of Galway, which were powerful merchant families who helped rule Galway from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. Her family was well-known in the city.

Becoming a Nun

In 1632, Helen officially joined the Poor Clares and became a nun. This process is called being "professed." At that time, the Poor Clare nuns had been forced to leave Dublin in 1630. They found a new home in Bethleham, in County Westmeath. Their group grew quickly, and within a few years, there were about sixty nuns.

Moving to Galway

Later, some people in Galway asked the nuns to come to their city. So, in 1642, twelve sisters and two new members moved to Galway. Their convent, which is a place where nuns live, was located near what is now St. Augustine Street. Maria Gabriel Martyn became the very first Abbess, or leader, of this new convent in Galway.

Her relative, Richard Óge Martyn, became the Mayor of Galway in September of that same year. Both he and his friend, Patrick Darcy, helped and supported the Poor Clares. By this time, Galway was facing a lot of conflict and was at war.

Challenges and Return

After 1652, during a time known as the Cromwellian occupation, the nuns were forced out of their convent in Galway. Many of them had to leave Ireland and go to other countries, mostly Spain.

However, Maria Gabriel stayed in Galway. She hid with friends and family, along with a few other sisters. They continued to practice their faith in secret. In the mid-1660s, after a period called The Restoration, things became safer. The sisters could then welcome more members, including some who returned from Spain.

The Poor Clare convent in Galway is still active today. Over the years, at least three other members of the Martyn family also became sisters or abbesses there.

Her Resting Place

Mother Maria Gabriel Martyn passed away in 1672. She was buried in the Franciscan graveyard, which was just outside the town walls of Galway. Her tombstone shares a message about her life and dedication.

See also

• The Tribes of Galway