Michael John Brenan facts for kids
Michael John Brenan (born in 1780, died in 1847) was an Irish Roman Catholic priest. He was also a scholar who studied the history of the church. Brenan became well-known because he temporarily left the Catholic Church to join the Church of Ireland, which is also known as the Anglican Church.
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Early Life and Priesthood
Michael John Brenan was born in Kilkenny, in what was then called the Kingdom of Ireland. His father worked as a stonemason. After Brenan became a Catholic priest, he quickly became known as a very good preacher.
However, Brenan soon had disagreements with his bishop. Because of these issues, he was temporarily stopped from performing his duties as a priest.
A Change of Heart
After being suspended, Brenan left the Catholic Church. He then joined the Anglican Church. A group that supported priests who had left the Catholic Church helped him. They announced that he would preach at St. George's Church in Dublin.
But before he was set to preach against the Catholic Church, Brenan changed his mind. He felt very sorry for leaving the Church. He decided to make up for his actions in public.
Public Apology and Return
On the Sunday in 1809 when he was supposed to begin speaking against the Catholic Church, Brenan went to the pulpit at St. George's Church. He made the sign of the cross, which is a Catholic prayer gesture. Then, to the surprise and relief of many in the audience, he picked up the Bible.
He said, "This is the Word of God." After a short pause, he added very clearly and seriously, "And I swear by its contents that every word I have uttered against the Catholic Church is a lie." Right after saying this, he left the church building.
Joining the Capuchins
Brenan then went to a nearby Capuchin monastery. He explained everything that had happened and asked to join their order. After some time, his request was granted. He became a Capuchin friar in Wexford.
Years later, as a way to make up for his past actions, he wrote a book called Ecclesiastical History of Ireland. This book was published in two volumes in Dublin in 1840. A revised edition came out in 1864.
Brenan passed away in Dublin in February 1847.
