Patrick O'Reilly (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Father
Patrick O'Reilly
1843–1914 |
|
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1843 Rosscarbery, County Cork  Ireland |
| Died | 25 August 1914 Dunedin  New Zealand |
| Resting place | Otahuhu |
Patrick O'Reilly (1843–1914) was an important Catholic priest and teacher in Auckland, New Zealand. He helped shape education in the Catholic Church in Auckland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick O'Reilly was born in 1843 in a place called Rosscarbery in County Cork, Ireland. When he was about nine years old, in 1852, his family moved to Auckland, New Zealand.
He went to school in Auckland. First, he attended the primary school connected to St Patrick's Cathedral. Later, he studied at St Peter's School. This was Auckland's very first Catholic high school for boys. After finishing school, he decided to become a priest. He trained at St Mary's Seminary.
Becoming a Priest
Patrick O'Reilly became a priest on February 24, 1866. He was special because he was one of the first Catholic priests in New Zealand to get most of his training right there in the country.
Working in Parishes
Father O'Reilly spent a lot of time helping communities. He worked in places like Coromandel and Thames. In Coromandel, he baptized Matthew Brodie in 1864. Matthew Brodie later became the first New Zealand-born Catholic priest. He also became a bishop in Christchurch.
In Thames, Father O'Reilly built churches. He also set up schools. These schools were known for being very well-run. They were seen as great examples for others.
Improving Catholic Education
Father O'Reilly played a big part in Catholic education. After the Education Act of 1977, private schools could no longer get money from the government. This made things difficult for Catholic schools.
Father O'Reilly helped Bishop Edmund Luck reorganize the Catholic education system. He was made the first official inspector for all Catholic schools in the area. For his hard work, he was given the special title of Monsignor.
Later Years and Legacy
From 1899, Father O'Reilly worked as the administrator at St Patrick's Cathedral for a while. Then, he went back to Thames. He served there as the parish priest until 1908.
After several years of not being well, Father O'Reilly passed away. He died in Dunedin on August 25, 1914. He is remembered for his dedication to the church and to educating young people in New Zealand.
