![]() ![]() ![]() Violations of the Penal Laws were punishable by torture, exile, imprisonment or death. In those dark and dreary days, under the very oppressive and stringent English Penal Laws, it was illegal for Irish Catholics to attend Mass, to practice their faith, to speak their native Gaelic language, to hold a life annuity, to own land, to hold public office, to purchase land, to receive an education, to vote, to keep any arms for protection, and mandated Catholics to attend of Protestant worship services, along with a host of other offensive laws imposed upon the Irish people by the English. The Defenders would also secure a place of sanctuary for the hunted priest, in the caves of mountains, or a small cabin of the faithful, who risked all to shelter the shepherd of their flock. The Sogarth Aroon (Irish for “Dear Priest”) would celebrate Mass using a large rock for the altar. Rory Oge O’More organized the Defenders to serve as sentinels, guarding both clergy and the congregation during the celebration of the Mass and the ministering of the sacraments, and helping them to safeguard the Mass in the woods, hills and glens. ![]()
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May 2023
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