Richard Baptist O'Brien facts for kids
Richard Baptist O'Brien (born 1809 – died 1885) was an Irish Roman Catholic priest and writer. He also supported the idea of Irish home rule, which meant Ireland governing itself.
Early Life and Education
Richard Baptist O'Brien was born in Carrick-on-Suir, a town in County Tipperary, Ireland. When he was only two years old, his father passed away. His mother then sold their family grocery business, and they moved to Limerick.
Richard went to school in Limerick at St. Mary's and later at Knockbeg College in Carlow. He decided to become a priest and studied at Maynooth College, where he did very well. He became a priest in 1839.
His Work and Contributions
Richard Baptist O'Brien was a strong supporter of Irish self-governance. He also believed in the authority of the Pope, similar to Pope Pius IX.
In 1849, he started the Catholic Young Men's Society. This group aimed to help young Catholic men grow in their religious interests and community involvement.
From 1840 to 1845, O'Brien was the president of Saint Mary's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
He also taught at All Hallows College in Dublin. He taught English and French there from 1845 to 1847, and then again from 1853 to 1858. His nephew, Edward Joseph Hannan, also trained as a priest at All Hallows during O'Brien's second time teaching there. Edward Hannan later became a priest in Scotland and helped start the Hibernian F.C. football club with members of the local Catholic Young Men's Society.
Richard Baptist O'Brien is buried in Newcastle West, Ireland.
Richard O'Brien as a Writer
Richard Baptist O'Brien was also a talented writer. He wrote for several magazines and newspapers, including The Irish Catholic Magazine, the Irish Monthly, and The Nation. He also wrote novels, which are longer stories, often exploring difficult choices people face.
