Blessed Thaddeus Mccarthy

Biography

Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy, also known as Tadhg MacCarthy and Taddeo Machar, was born around 1455 in County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of the Lord of Muskerry, Ireland, and the grandson of the Lord of Kerry, Ireland. Thaddeus received his education from the Franciscans at Timoleague and later studied at the University of Paris and in Rome, Italy.

After completing his studies, Thaddeus was ordained as a priest and in 1482, he was appointed as the Bishop of Ross, Ireland. However, upon his arrival in Ross, he discovered that Bishop Hugh O’Driscoll, who was supposed to have passed away, was still alive and holding the see. Due to the political intrigues of the time and false reports of the bishop's death, disputes arose over Thaddeus' appointment, and he never assumed his position as the Bishop of Ross.

During this period, Thaddeus faced numerous challenges and was even excommunicated by Pope Sixtus IV. Pope Innocent VIII later confirmed the excommunication and charged Thaddeus with fraud. However, Thaddeus was cleared of all charges, both civil and ecclesiastic, and the excommunication was revoked.

On 21 April 1490, Thaddeus was appointed as the Bishop of Cork and Cloyne, Ireland. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he found armed supporters who had chosen Gerald FitzGerald as the bishop for political reasons, preventing him from assuming control. Thaddeus appealed to the Pope, who supported him, but without armed supporters, he embarked on a pilgrimage to various holy sites.

Tragically, Thaddeus died while on the road on 25 October 1492, at a pilgrim's hostel in Ivrea, Italy. The hostel warden discovered his lifeless body, illuminated by an ethereal light. Bishop Nicholas Garigliatti later had a dream about Thaddeus's death and ascension to heaven. Upon receiving this revelation, Bishop Garigliatti went to collect Thaddeus's body, which would have otherwise been given a pauper's burial since he was an unknown pilgrim.

Thaddeus was buried in the cathedral of Ivrea, where miracles were subsequently reported at his tomb. When the tomb was opened in 1742, his body was found to be incorrupt; however, it eventually deteriorated over time. Some relics of Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy are enshrined in the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne in Cork, Ireland, as well as the Cathedral of Saint Colman in Cobh, Ireland, and the Church of Saint Mary in Youghal, Ireland.

Pope Leo XIII beatified Thaddeus McCarthy in 1896, confirming his cultus as a blessed. His feast day is celebrated on 25 October each year. Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy, also known as the White Martyr of Munster, is remembered for the mental and physical anguish he endured while striving to fulfill the Church's work. His story serves as a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission, despite the challenges and conflicts he faced throughout his life.