Patrick O'Loughran facts for kids

Patrick O'Loughran (in Irish: Pádraig Ó Lochráin) was a brave priest from the Armagh area in Ireland. He lived a long time ago and became known as an Irish Catholic Martyr because he died for his faith. He passed away on February 1, 1612.

Early Life and Studies

Patrick O'Loughran was born in a place called Donaghmore, County Tyrone. His family were Erenagh, which meant they were in charge of church lands. As he grew up, he became a chaplain, a kind of priest who serves a specific person or group. He worked for Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, an important Irish leader.

Before a big event called the Flight of the Earls in 1607, Patrick O'Loughran left Ireland. He went to Flanders, which is now part of Belgium, to continue his education.

Life in Exile

While living outside Ireland, Patrick O'Loughran helped many Irish noblemen who had also left their home country. He gave them the sacraments, which are important religious ceremonies. He also served as a chaplain to Catherine O'Neill, Countess of Tyrone, Hugh O'Neill's wife.

Patrick O'Loughran also spent time at the Irish College, Douai, a school for Irish students. There, he met Hugh O'Neill again and traveled with him to Rome, the center of the Catholic Church.

Return to Ireland and Arrest

In June 1611, Patrick O'Loughran decided to return to Ireland. However, as soon as he arrived in Cork, he was arrested. During questioning, he openly admitted that he had given sacraments to the Irish noblemen who were in exile. He also said he had helped another Irish bishop, Blessed Conor O'Devany.

Because of his confession, he was put into a dungeon, which is a dark, underground prison. In January 1612, both he and Bishop O'Devany were sentenced to death. It seems that O'Loughran's close connection to Hugh O'Neill was a main reason why the government chose to punish him.

Trial and Martyrdom

On February 1, 1612, Patrick O'Loughran and Bishop O'Devany were taken from Dublin Castle to George's Hill for their execution. Bishop O'Devany asked if he could die last. He wanted to be able to support Father O'Loughran in his final moments. However, this request was not allowed.

Father O'Loughran bravely replied to the bishop, saying: "Help me with your prayers to God. With His help, I am sure that nothing – not death, nor life, nor rulers, nor powers, nor things happening now, nor things to come, nor anything else – will separate me from the love of Christ or from being with you."

Before they were executed, Bishop O'Devany knelt and prayed for O'Loughran. Both men showed great courage and faith. Their bravery inspired the people watching, who rushed forward to try and collect small items as reminders of the martyrs.

Legacy

The remains of Patrick O'Loughran and Bishop O'Devany were first buried on George's Hill. But the very next night, their bodies were secretly dug up and given a more respectful burial. They were buried with other martyrs in St James's graveyard.

In 1992, Patrick O'Loughran and Conor O'Devany were officially recognized as "Blessed" by the Catholic Church. This is part of the process of becoming a saint. They are remembered as part of the Irish Catholic Martyrs. The Archdiocese of Armagh celebrated the 400th anniversary of Blessed Patrick O’Loughran's death with a special Mass at Blessed Patrick O’Loughran Primary School in Castlecaulfield.