Thomas Messingham facts for kids

Thomas Messingham was an important Irish scholar. He was born in the area of Meath, Ireland. He studied to become a priest and historian. Messingham spent much of his life in France. There he worked to preserve the history of Irish saints.

Early Life and Studies

Thomas Messingham began his studies at the Irish College in Douai. This was a school for Irish students in France. Later, he moved to the Irish College in Paris. Here, he earned a high degree in theology.

Around 1615, Messingham was already working at the Irish College in Paris. He started to study the lives of Irish saints. He wanted to learn and write about them.

Leading the Irish College

In 1620, Messingham published a book. It was about important Irish saints like Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid. The next year, in 1621, he became the head, or rector, of the Irish College in Paris. He took over from his friend, Thomas Dease.

Messingham was highly respected by the Pope and the Vatican. He was given the special title of Apostolic Prothonotary. This meant he was a high-ranking church official. He also helped many Irish bishops with their work.

As rector, Messingham worked hard. He wanted to send well-trained missionaries back to Ireland. He made sure the college was officially connected to the University of Paris. In 1626, he got approval for the rules he made for the college.

Important Writings

In 1624, Messingham published his most famous book. It was called Florilegium Insulæ Sanctorum. This Latin title means "Flower Garden of the Island of Saints." The book was about many Irish saints. It also included a section on St. Patrick's Purgatory. This is a famous pilgrimage site in Lough Derg, Ireland.

In the same year, he was given an honorary title. He became the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. However, this was just a title. He did not have any power or money from this role. This was because a Protestant dean held the actual position at the time.

Later Years and Legacy

Thomas Messingham often wrote to Father Luke Wadding. Wadding was another important Irish scholar. Church leaders in Rome often asked Messingham for advice. They wanted help choosing good church leaders for Ireland.

In 1630, Messingham wrote that he worried. He felt King Charles I would not give Irish Catholics more religious freedom. He continued to work for the Irish Church for several more years. His name disappears from records after 1638. It is thought he either retired or passed away that year.