(From Bruodin’s Propugnaculum, p. 449)

PATRICK O’CONOR was descended from the very ancient and royal stock of the O’Conors in Connaught. 

Abandoning the deceitful pleasures of the world in the flower of youth, he made his religious profession in the celebrated monastery of Boyle,[1] in the diocese of Elphin, in Connaught, among the most observant of the disciples of the Mellifluous Doctor,[2] in the year of our Lord 1562. 

For twenty-three years he was seen to advance in every kind of virtue, in such a way that he became a shining light to his brethren by the practice of every good work. 

He was constant in prayer, and used to shed tears in abundance while so engaged. 

He was unwearied in works of charity, especially towards the sick. 

He was kindly to all, but he was very stern in chastising his own body. 

For the last fifteen years of his life he drank neither wine nor beer. 

He abstained from flesh meat during the whole time that he was a monk.

The Almighty wishing to reward these great merits, allowed that he and Father Malachy O’Kelly, a monk of the same monastery, a religious no less illustrious for his descent from and ancient and noble family than for his great virtues, should fall into the cruel hands of the fierce soldiers of Elizabeth. 

By these they were first hanged and then quartered at the aforesaid monastery, May 19th, 1585, through hatred of the Catholic faith, which this undaunted champion preached constantly up to his last breath. 

Bruodin refers the reader to a manuscript book in the College of Prague, in which an account is given of these martyrs, and also to Henriquez’s Menologium Cisterciense.

According to Hartry, Father Malachy O’KeIIy was pierced through the heart with a sword.[3]

See also Annus Cisterciensis, Henriquez and Hartry

[1] Founded for Cistercians in 1161. See Triumphalia, xxxviii
[2] This title is often given to St. Bernard, as that of Angelic Doctor to St. Thomas
[3] Ibid., p. 257
 

Please pray for final perseverance for all of us!
May the martyrs of old inspire us all.