Michael Moore (provost) facts for kids
Michael Moore (also known as Micheál Ó Mordha in Irish) was an important Irish priest, thinker, and teacher. He lived a long time ago, from about 1639 to 1726. He is remembered for his work in education and for protecting a famous library.
Contents
Michael Moore's Early Life
Michael Moore was born in Dublin, Ireland, around 1639. When he was young, he left Ireland to study in France. He went to cities like Nantes and Paris.
In Paris, he taught philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence) and rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing well). He taught at a school called the Collège des Grassins. In 1677, he was asked to become the head of the University of Paris. However, he decided not to take the job.
Moore returned to Ireland in the early 1680s. He became a priest in 1684. The Archbishop of Dublin, Patrick Russell, made him a vicar-general. This meant he helped manage the Catholic Church in Dublin.
Leading Trinity College
In 1689, the head of Trinity College, Dublin, Robert Huntington, left. Michael Moore then became the first Catholic leader, or "provost," of the college. He got this important job because he was a close advisor to Richard Talbot, the Earl of Tyrconnell.
Protecting the College Library
During this time, Trinity College faced some challenges. Parts of the college were used as a military storage area and even a jail. Michael Moore worked hard to protect the college's rights. He stopped further damage and tried to help the prisoners. He also worked with the librarian, Father McCarthy, to save the college's valuable library. They stopped soldiers from burning the books. This was a huge help for learning and history.
However, Michael Moore gave a speech that upset King James. Because of this, he had to leave his job at Trinity College in 1690. After that, he went back to Paris. In 1691, he moved to Rome when King James arrived in Paris.
Life in Rome
While in Rome, Michael Moore became a "Censor of Books." This meant he reviewed books to make sure they followed church rules. He became well-liked by two Popes, Innocent XII and Clement XI.
A leader named Cardinal Barbarigo started a college in Montefiascone. He chose Michael Moore to be its head and to teach philosophy and Greek. This college became a place for smart people, and the Pope even gave it money every year.
Rector of Paris University
After King James II died in 1701, Michael Moore returned to France. He was then chosen to be the Rector of the University of Paris. He is the only Irishman ever to hold this position. He served from October 1701 to October 1702. He also became the head of another school, the Collège de Navarre. He taught philosophy, Greek, and Hebrew at the Collège de France.
Teaching and His Last Years
In 1702, he gave an important speech praising King Louis XIV. Michael Moore also helped buy a house near the Irish College for Irish students who were not wealthy.
In his later years, he became blind. He had to hire someone to write for him. Sadly, this helper stole and sold many of his valuable books. What was left of his book collection, Michael Moore gave to the Irish College.
He passed away in the Collège de Navarre. He was buried in the vault under the chapel of the Irish College.
