My Life in Connaught: with Sketches of Mission Work in the West

by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...change of religion. This youth was desirous of becoming a priest. The first step to be taken to obtain admission to the College of Maynooth was, to be examined by the priest of the parish, who, if he approved of the candidate, recommended him to the Bishop, by whom he was nominated for entrance into the college. It ... Read More

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...change of religion. This youth was desirous of becoming a priest. The first step to be taken to obtain admission to the College of Maynooth was, to be examined by the priest of the parish, who, if he approved of the candidate, recommended him to the Bishop, by whom he was nominated for entrance into the college. It appears that the father of this young man had at the time a quarrel of some sort with his Reverence, who rejected the candidate on examination, and refused to give the necessary recommendation to the Bishop. He returned home very much dejected and depressed. His father inquired on what subject had he failed--Classics, English, or Mathematics?' On none of these, ' was the reply, 'but on Scripture, ' and the particular point was that he could not tell the name of Melchizedek's father. 'Never mind, ' said the old man to the son, 'we will go to-morrow to the Bishop, and I will tell his lordship the name of Melchizedek's father.' Accordingly they went to the Bishop's residence, which was not many miles off, and, having obtained an audience, the old man told the story, and now said, ' I have come to answer the question my boy could not.' Pulling out of his pocket a package containing ten sovereigns, 'There, ' said he, 'is Melchizedek's father, ' and, producing a second package with similar contents, added, 'There is Melchizedek's mother, ' requesting his lordship to accept the answer. His lordship did take it, and at once gave the wished-for nomination to the boy, who accordingly was admitted to Maynooth, where, however, he remained only a couple of years. On reflection, both father and son realized the injustice and venality of the transaction. After some time they both, with the whole family, became Protestants, and for prudential reasons emigrated to A Read Less