Oliver Plunkett (1625–1681) was the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland during a time of harsh persecution of Catholics. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the faith of his scattered people, founding schools and quietly ministering even when forced into hiding. Falsely accused of treason, he was executed at Tyburn in London on July 1, 1681, the last Catholic martyr to die in England, and was canonized in 1975.
Saint Oliver stayed with his people when it would have been safer to flee, and he forgave those who condemned him, going to his death with peace and even gentleness. His life shows that faithfulness and love can remain unshaken even when everything else is taken away. He reminds us that God's grace is strongest in our hardest hours.
Saint Oliver Plunkett, faithful shepherd who kept peace in your heart through every trial, pray for us and for all we love, that we may trust God's mercy in sorrow and remain gentle and true to the end. Amen.