Irish Jesuits in Penal Times 1695-1811: Thomas Betagh and his Companions

by Thomas J Morrissey SJ

Overview

This account of the Irish Jesuits from 1695 to 1811 is concerned with those who lived and worked in Dublin and, in particular, with a central figure, the quite remarkable educationalist and pastor, Thomas Betagh. As we shall see, two other Jesuits also played a large part in the life of Betagh: John Austin, who was his teacher and subsequently a colleague, and James Philip Mulcaile, who was a friend, colleague and near contemporary. The life and work of Betagh can only be understood in the context of his time: not only the history of Ireland in the eighteenth century, but also the political, cultural and religious developments in western Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781788121156
Publisher:	Messenger Publications
Publication date:	03/09/2020
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Thomas J Morrissey is a Jesuit priest, an educationalist, historian and author. Former headmaster of Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick, and director of the National College of Industrial Relations, Dublin, he has taken his degrees in History from the National University of Ireland. He has written some twenty historical works. He is the author of The Life and Times of Daniel Murray: Archbishop of Dublin 1823-1852 and Dom Eugene Boylan: Trappist Monk, Scientist and Writer.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Part I Years of Turmoil, Seeds of Hope

Chapter 1 An Introduction Ireland: The Background Years (1691-1740s) 14

Chapter 2 Europe: Political and Religious Unrest (1700-63) 25

Chapter 3 Two Pioneering Jesuits: John Austin (1717-1784) James Philip Mulcaile (1727-1801) 38

Part 2 Nurturing the Fragile Growth: Thomas Betagh (1738-1811)

Chapter 4 Years of Preparation (1738-66) 64

Chapter 5 The Suppression of the Jesuits (1773) 72

Chapter 6 The Educationalist, Pastor and Preacher 83

Chapter 7 The Man and the Friend 89

Chapter 8 Letters from Far and Near 93

Chapter 9 Revolution in France and the Veto Controversy in Irealnd 102

Chapter 10 Local Concerns and Plans for the Future 108

Chapter 11 Stonyhurst: Uncertain Jurisdiction and Strained Relations 116

Chapter 12 Kenney's Defence and Growing Tensions 128

Chapter 13 Betagh's Influence on his Students and Others 137

Chapter 14 'Death is Not Bitter': Final Months and Funeral 146

Afterword 153

Appendix 154

Index 158