Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Upon returning to Ireland having completed his training and education and being ordained
a Priest in Rome, Archbishop Oliver travelled to his Diocese and arrived in time for Holy
Week and the Easter Ceremonies.
Having arrived back in Ireland at a time of harsh religious persecution, he felt it important
to remain as unnoticed as possible and this involved wearing a disguise.
One of the most famous stories associated with this, was his Captain Brown disguise.
Wearing a uniform complete with sword and pistol as befitting of an officer, on one
occasion breaking into song in a tavern so as not to give away his disguise.
Within two months of Oliver returning to Ireland, a new more liberal Viceroy, Viceroy Berkley
replaced the more hard line Robartes meaning that the climate of toleration soon changed
for the better.
So, at last Oliver could now disguard the disguise and proceed with his work in a more
open manner while maintaining a certain degree of caution.
This was to mark the period in which he would experience his greatest freedom in Ireland,
which was to last for a period of approximately three and a half years.
Oliver promptly set up his headquarters alternating between Ballybarrack and Ardpatrick just outside
Dundalk - these areas being central in the Diocese and also in a rural area where locals
could warn him of any approaching search parties.
It is said, that an ancient oak tree remains today in which Oliver is reputed to have hidden
on occasions to avoid capture at Ardpatrick.
Oliver led the faithful in prayer, administering the sacraments and preaching the good news
to them, all in their native Irish language.
Towards the latter part of 1673, the already visible dislike for Oliver became more aggresive.
A renewed sense of persecution formed and the climate became perilious.
Rewards were offered for the capture of important figures such as Oliver.
He himself quoted it as being the time to take down the sails and seek shelter is some
safe harbour.
All Bishop's were ordered to go to the continent as exiles and all the religious houses had
been closed.
With regard to fleeing the danger, Oliver emphatically refused to do so.
He also pleaded that his fellow Bishop's stay with him as he quotes "For if captains fly
it is in vain to exhort the single soldiers who stand in battle".
His oldest friend John Brennan, now the Bishop of Waterford, hid with him in the hill country
of south Armagh.
Times were difficult now and as a result of the poor weather both suffered greatly.
Despite the hardship, Oliver refused to leave his troubled homeland.
He travelled the nation dressed as a layman, suffering from cold and hunger, saying Mass
and confirming people in the open countryside.