Fifty years on, the courage of St Oliver Plunkett continues to inspire Ireland’s journey of faith, reconciliation and peace.

This weekend, the Archdiocese of Armagh joins with the faithful from across Ireland in celebrating 50 years since the Canonisation of St Oliver Plunkett, a saint whose legacy of peace and reconciliation continues to speak powerfully to our world today.

 

 

 

The Canonisation of St Oliver Plunkett

St Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was canonised by Pope Paul VI on 12 October 1975, the first new Irish saint in almost 700 years. His canonisation recognised not only his martyrdom at Tyburn in 1681 but also his deep faith, courage, and forgiveness, even in the face of persecution. His final words, “I die for my religion,” continue to echo through generations as a testament to steadfast hope and mercy.

A Weekend of Celebration

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2025, parishes throughout the Archdiocese mark this golden anniversary with prayer, reflection and thanksgiving. The celebrations will culminate on Sunday 12 October at 11.00 am, when Masses will be celebrated in two significant locations:

  • St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, where Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin

  • St Peter’s Church, Drogheda, the National Shrine of St Oliver Plunkett, where Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Router

Archbishop Eamon’s Homily from Vespers on Friday 10th October 2025: A Call to Peace

In his homily at evening prayer on Friday 10th October 2025, Archbishop Eamon reflected on the words of Pope Paul VI, “Never Again War”, as he visited New York to speak to the United Nations and drew on the example of St Oliver Plunkett as a peacemaker and a man of forgiveness. Drawing parallels between Oliver’s time and our own, Archbishop Eamon said:

“St Oliver’s witness reminds us that faith can never be separated from peace. In a world torn apart by conflict and hatred, we must proclaim again with conviction: Never again war.”

He invited all present to carry forward St Oliver’s message of reconciliation, in families, communities and nations, and called all to trust that true renewal begins in hearts rooted in mercy.

As the Catholic Church here in Ireland continues to draw inspiration from St Oliver Plunkett’s courage, this jubilee year offers a moment of grace, a time to remember, to give thanks and to recommit ourselves to the Gospel of peace.

St Oliver Plunkett, pray for us.