Patrick Lavelle facts for kids
Father Patrick Lavelle (1825–1886) was an Irish priest who was also a strong supporter of his country. He was known as a nationalist, meaning he believed in the rights and independence of the Irish people.
Lavelle was born in 1825 in Mullagh, a small place in Murrisk, County Mayo, Ireland. His father, Francis Lavelle, was a farmer. Patrick went to a local hedge school for his early education. These were secret schools during a time when Irish Catholics were not allowed to have their own schools. Later, he attended St Jarlath's College in Tuam. In 1844, he continued his studies at Maynooth College. He became a Catholic priest in 1851 at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth.
A Teacher in Paris
In 1854, Father Lavelle was appointed as a professor at the Irish College in Paris. He taught philosophy, which is the study of knowledge and existence. He also taught the Irish Language. Father Lavelle had strong beliefs about Irish rights, which sometimes caused disagreements with other leaders. He left Paris in 1858 and returned to Ireland.
A Champion for the People
Father Lavelle became well-known across Ireland in 1860. He took action against something called proselytism in Toormakeady. Proselytism was when people tried to convert others to a different religion, often by offering help or food during difficult times. This led to many families being forced out of their homes, a process called evictions. Father Lavelle stood up for these people. Because of his brave actions, he was given the nickname Patriot Priest Of Partry. He spent his life working for the rights and well-being of the Irish people.
Sources
- Some Famous Mayo People, Bernard O'Hara, in Mayo:Aspects of its Heritage, pp. 272–274, 1982
