Treacy Brothers of Carrick-on-Suir Tipperary and New Jersey
The following three brothers have played an
important role in the development of the Roman Catholic Church, especially in
the United States.
1. Rev. Patrick Aloysius Treacy (1843-1907)
Rev. Patrick Aloysius Treacy, was born at Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland, in 1843. He was educated at a private school (at the select school of the Christian Brothers), and at the Classical Academy of his native town. He received his theological training in the Ecclesiastical Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia, and was ordained priest at the age of twenty-three. From 1866 to 1868 he was attached to St. Michael's Church, Philadelphia, where he endeared himself to the people by his attention to the cholera patients, and his zeal for the Christian education of the young. As curate to Vicar-General Walsh, of Philadelphia; to the venerable Father Maher, of Norristown, and to the learned and venerable Father Cauvin, of Hoboken, Father Treacy has had the best opportunities of learning his duties from distinguished pastors, who were trained in their professional functions in the great cities of New York and Philadelphia. Among his Professors in the faculties of theology and philosophy Father Treacy can name Bishops O'Hara, of Scranton, and O'Connor, of Omaha, the celebrated divine, Rev. Dr. Balfe, and Rev. Dr. Keogh, whose magnificent display at the examination in Rome won the admiration of the Pope himself. To indicate how high Father Treacy stood in the Seminary for talent and literary ability, it is only necessary to state that he was selected by Dr. Keogh to write the Theological Essay, and that the whole staff of Professors came specially to hear Father Treacy read it, and that he was called upon to read it over again, when Archbishop Wood was present at the annual examination. Father Treacy is an ardent Irish patriot. He advocates home Rule for Ireland, and even further, the total separation of Ireland from England. In the words of Henry Grattan, “ He will not be satisfied so long as the humble cottager in Ireland has a link of the British chain clanking to him.”
Allusion has been made in previous issues to Father Treacy’s labors as pastor of Washington, Oxford, and Belvidere, N. J. Oxford has become closely associated with his name in his literary, philosophical and poetical contributions to ‘Donahoe's Magazine’ and other periodicals.
In 1883, he became the pastor of St. Paul’s
Catholic Church, Burlington, New Jersey. For several years Father Treacy led a
quiet and studious life. In 1892, it was reported that his behaviour was
becoming erratic and there followed a confrontation Bishop O’Farrell of
Trenton, when he decided to remove Father Patrick Treacy from his charge at
Burlington. His brother Father William Treacy took up the case against the
Bishop, who retailiated. His other brother, Mr. James Treacy then got involved,
(see below)
Fr. Patrick
Treacy (2nd Resident Pastor) 1873-1882 St Joseph Parish, Washington, NJ
Rev. P.A.
Treacy (1888) “Views of the Modern Scientists and ancient Fathers of the Church
on the Origin of Man” Donohoe’s Magazine.
9 February 1867 The Pilot (Boston & NY)
The First Mass of a Young Clergyman - South
Bethlehem, Pa Jan 28 1867
...The sermon of the day was preached by Rev.
P. Tracy, of St Michael’s, Philadelphia, a young man lately ordained, and a
classmate of the celebrant of the Mass. He took his text from St. Paul to the
Hebrew, 5th chap., 1st verse: “For every high priest taken from among men is
appointed for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up
gifts and sacrifices for sins."
He spoke of the beautiful decorations of the
altar and church- - which occurred only on some great feast or in honor of some
great event in our Church — that it was for the latter : in honor of the
celebration of the first Mass of a young man ordained to the priesthood. He
then portrayed the honor paid to the priest under the old law, — then to the
Pagan priests — to the sacrifices offered up by the priests of Aaron, and then
in very forcible language portrayed how much greater honor and respect should
be paid to the priest under the new law, who daily offered up as a sacrifice
the body and blood of our Blessed Redeemer.
He then gave a condensed history of the
celebrant of the Mass; of the manner in which his ancestors had laid down their
lives for their religion; his early training in the Emerald Isle of the Ocean;
his career at Kilmore Seminary, Ireland; his embarkation to this country; his
entree to the Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia; his able standing
in class, and finally his ordination and celebration of his first Mass in the
Church of the Holy Infancy, of which his brother is the efficient pastor. He
then spoke in very affecting terms of their deceased brother, Rev. Charles
McEnroe, former pastor of Mauch Chunk, Pa., and closed with a very beautiful
tribute to tbe Blessed Virgin.
Rev. P. Tracy gives promise of being an
eloquent preacher; is quick in the conception of ideas, has a thorough command
of language, and with experience, and the toning down of voice and manner, will
compare favorably with many of our eminent divines...
2. James
J. Treacy (1849-)
He was a renowned writer and editor of Roman Catholic publications. Two
of his books received a benediction from Pope Leo
XIII.
“Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII., has been graciously pleased to
impart his Apostolic Benediction, for the second time, to the Author of this
Book. His Holiness has also deigned to honor Mr. Treacy with the present of an
exquisitely executed cameo, representing St. Joseph and the Infant Saviour, the
work of a distinguished Roman Artist.” [Note: Kirby was a friend of Pope Leo
XIII]
Treacy, James J. editor (1880) Historical and Biographical Stories,
Sketches, Ankcdotes, etc. Messrs. Noonan & Co., Boston.
Treacy, James J. editor (1882) Catholic Flowers from Protestant
Gardens. P. J. Kennedy, New York
Treacy, James J. (1885) Tributes of Protestant Writers to the Truth and
Beauty of Catholicity. Fr. Pustet, New York & Cincinnati
Treacy, James J. (1888) Conquests of our Holy Faith; or, Testimonies of Distinguished Converts. Fr. Pustet, New York & Cincinnati
|
3.
Rev. William P. Treacy (1850 –
1906) Father William P. Treacy, S.
J., was ordained in Louvain, Belgium. In 1885 he was pastor at Woodstock
College, Maryland, He was the author of the celebrated poetic “Lines to Rev.
A. J. Ryan," and of a series of most interesting and patriotic, historical
articles on “Irish Students in Continental Universities." While staying
at Louvain, he availed himself of the opportunity to examine the original
documents relating to the illustrious Irish ecclesiastics and soldiers, who,
having been driven by British oppression from their native land, had won
merited fame in the universities, courts and camps of Continental
Europe. He was the author of a number
of significant books on catholic history. He was also pastor of St. Mary’s Church
Swedeborough, New Jersey when there was a confrontation with Bishop
O’Farrell. Rev.
William P. Treacy Swedesboro, 1887 (Sadliers' Catholic directory) Rev. William P.
Treacy. St. Joseph's Rectory,
Swedesboro, New Jersey. 1889 Rev.
William P. Treacy, pastor of St. Gabriel's church at Bradevelt (Marlboro, New
Jersey) 1899 Treacy, William P. (1887) Irish Scholars of
the Penal Days: Glimpses of their labours on the Continent of Europe. Pustet
& Co., New York. Treacy, William P. (1889) Old Catholic
Maryland and Its Early Jesuit Missionaries. St. Joseph's Rectory, Swedesboro,
New Jersey Treacy, Rev. William P. "A
Biographical Sketch of Father Robert Molyneux, S.J.," American Catholic
Quarterly Review, XI, 140- 153, 1886. Rev. Fr. W. P. Treacy: v Lord, Let me see thy lovely face v My God, I'm tired of Worldly thoughts v Holy Spirit, come and guide me v Thou knowest master, that my heart is thine v Holy Faith! O Sacred Light! The
Marist Brother (1913) American Catholic hymnal. P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY. https://books.google.ie/books?id=vzKNBgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA89&ots=2d_qtRjxJX&dq https://www.hymnary.org/person/Treacy_WP1 |
|
FAMILY HISTORY
Thomas Tracey & Alicia/Louisa Lahy
Joannes Tracey b. 23 Jun 1847 of
Bridge? lane Sp. Jacobo Quirk & Maria Anna Connell Carrick-on-Suir Parish
Jacobus Tracey b. 5 Feb 1849 of
Bridge lane Sp. Joan Phelan & Marg Marks? Carrick-on-Suir Parish
Gulielmus b. 20/24 Nov 1850 of
Bridge Lane Sp. Michael Phelan & Anna Macks Carrick-on-Suir Parish
Joannem Tracy married Elizabeth
Cassin 22 June 1867 Wit: Joanne Aherne & Catherina Cassin? Portlaw Parish
John Tracey, 23, bachelor, baker, lives
Portlaw [Clonagam], (s. of Thomas Tracey,
baker) married Eliza Cassin, 25, spinster, weaver, lives Portlaw, (d. of
Richard Cassin, sizer) 22 June 1867 RC Chapel Portlaw Wit: John Ahearne &
Catherine Cassin, her mark [Carrick on Suir Carrick on Suir PLU Waterford]
Joannis Tracy & Elisabeth
Cassin/Clashin
Joseph
Tracy b. 28 April 1868 Sp. Henricus Cashin & Catharina Cashin. Portlaw Parish
Henricum Tracy b. 7 Oct 1869 Sp. Ricardus Cassin & Joanna Cassin. Portlaw Parish
Joannem Tracy b. 8 Jun 1871 Sp. Joannes Hogan & Anastatia Clifford. Portlaw Parish
Joannem Tracy b. 2 Feb 1873 Sp. Ricardus Cassin & Anna Keane. Portlaw Parish
??? Tracy b. 26 Feb 1874 Sp. ??? & ???. Portlaw Parish [very faint]
Elousam Treacey b. 12 Jun 1875 Sp. Joannes Winbirry & Mariam Conners. Portlaw Parish
Thomam Treacy b. 15 Aug 1877 Sp. Jacobo Keane & Catharina Keane. Portlaw Parish
John Tracey & Eliza(beth) Cassin/Cashen/Cashin/Capin
Joseph Treacy b. 26 Apr 1868 Portlaw (LDS)
Cassin
Henry Tracey b. 5 October 1869 Portlaw (LDS) d. 1948 Yonkers, Westchester, New York, USA. Cassin
John Treacy b. 5 June 1871 Portlaw (LDS)
Capin
Jane Tracy b. 25 Jan 1873 (LDS) Cassin
Mary Tracy b. 21 February 1874 Portlaw
(LDS) Cashin
Eliza b. 12 June 1875 (LDS) Cashin
Thomas b. 13 August 1877 (LDS) Cashin
John Treacy,
baker, & Eliza Cassin
Joseph
Treacy b. 26 Apr 1868 of 14 Brown Street. Catherine Cassin, her mark, present
at birth, 14 Brown Street [Portlaw Carrick On Suir PLU]
John Tracey, baker, Clonmel,
& Eliza Cassin?
Henry Tracey b. 5 Oct 1869 Brown Street [Portlaw?] Eliza
Tracey, her mark, mother, Brown Street [Portlaw Carrick-on-Suir PLU]
John Treacy,
baker, & Eliza Cassin
John Treacy b. 5 Jun 1871 of 3
Brown? Street. Eliza Treacy, mother, 3 Brown? Street [Portlaw Carrick-on-Suir
PLU]
Henry Joseph Treacy (b. October 5 1869) and Frances O'Meara (b. January 29 1869)
Elizabeth Mary Treacy b. 1894 New York, m. Daniel Crowley 1913 New York.
1910 Census - Yonkers Ward 6, Westchester,
New York
Henry Tracey Head M 39 Ireland, emigrated 1888
Francis Tracey Wife F 39 Ireland, emigrated 1892
Elizabeth Tracey Daughter F 15 New York
Harry Tracey Son M 14 New York
Mary A Tracey Daughter F 13 New York
Frances Tracey Daughter F 12 New York
Margaret Tracey Daughter F 10 New York
1920 Cenusus - Yonkers Ward 6, Westchester,
New York, United States
Henry Treacy Head M 49 Ireland, emigrated 1889
Frances Treacy Wife F 49 Ireland, emigrated 1892
Henry Treacy Jr. Son M 23 New York
Mary Treacy Daughter F 22 New York
Frances Treacy Daughter F 21 New York
Margaret Treacy Daughter F 19 New York
Joseph Treacy Son M 8 New York
Elizabeth Treacy Mother F 73 Ireland, emigrated 1890
John Treacy Father M 65 Ireland, emigrated 1890
George Treacy Grandson M 3 New York
Mary Cody Boarder F 20 New York
1856 Slater's Royal National Commercial Directory
Of Ireland
Carrick-on-Suir
Thomas Tracey, Bridge Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary. Shopkeeker & dealer in
sundries
Thomas Tracy, 21 Bridge Street,
Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary.
Baker
1870 Census - 110 87th District
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Thomas Tracy Male 56 Ireland, salesman
Louisa Tracy Female 50 Ireland
William Tracy Male 18 Ireland, sells books
James Tracy Male 20 Ireland, sells books
1880
US Census
Household: Washington, Warren, New Jersey
|
Name |
Relation |
Marital Status |
Gender |
Race |
Age |
Birthplace |
Occupation |
Father's Birthplace |
Mother's Birthplace |
|
Patrick A. TRACY |
Self |
S |
Male |
W |
37 |
IRE |
Catholic Priest |
IRE |
IRE |
|
Louisa TRACY |
Mother |
W |
Female |
W |
64 |
IRE |
At Home |
IRE |
IRE |
|
Margaret SMITH |
Other |
W |
Female |
W |
57 |
IRE |
Housekeeper |
IRE |
IRE |
|
John J. SMITH |
Other |
S |
Male |
W |
12 |
NJ |
At Home |
IRE |
IRE |
|
Thomas MACK |
Other |
S |
Male |
W |
12 |
NJ |
At Home |
IRE |
IRE |
Louisa T. Treacy died 23 Jan 1887 Burlington
New Jersey, age 70, b. 1816 Ireland, resident 16 years
Lay People.
Mrs. Louisa Treacy, wife of the late Thomas
Treacy, of Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland, died piously at Burlington, N. J., on
January 23d. She had been in feeble health for years, and for some time past,
seemed only to be waiting for the call of her Divine Master. During her whole
life, Mrs. Treacy was noted for the sweetness of her disposition, and the holy
calm of her soul. These beautiful qualities were hers up to the moment she
passed from this life, without a sigh, and with- out a struggle. She was a
truly Christian, Catholic mother. In her last moments she had the consolation
of being attended by her eldest son, Rev. P. A. Treacy, pastor of Burlington.
Her reverend son also imparted to her a special Plenary Indulgence, granted to
her by his Holiness, Pope Leo XIII. A solemn Mass of Requiem was offered up at
St. Paul's Church on January 26th, for the repose of her soul. A large number
of friends and sympathizers were present. Rev. P. A. Treacy was celebrant; her
nephew, Rev. John P. Lonargan, of New York, was deacon; her youngest son, Rev.
W. P. Treacy, pastor of Swedesboro, was sub- deacon; Rev. Father Reynolds,
pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, was master of
ceremonies. In the sanctuary were Rev. Patrick F. Connolly, pastor of St.
Mary’s, Bordentown, and ‘Rev. Father Reardon, of the Theological Seminary,
Vineland. Mr. James J. Treacy, of Philadelphia, her other only surviving son,
was also present on the occasion. May her soul rest in peace!
Donahoe’s Magazine, Vol. XVII. January,
1887, To July, 1887. Boston: Thomas B. Noonan & Company. 1887.
Tobias Kirby, Rector of the Irish College
Rome was a cousin as was Rev. John P. Lonergan.
Rev. P. A. Treacy, of Burlington N.J.
...Rev. William P. Treacy...Mrs. James J.
Treacy.
This volume is respectfully and humbly
dedicated in gratitude for the memorial proposed by Rev. P. A. Treacy.
John
Gilmary Shea (1890) History of the Catholic Church in the United States. Volume
III. D.H. McBride & Co, Akron, O.
Saint
Pauls Cemetery, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey
Rev Patrick A. Treacy 1843-1907
Pastor St. Pauls Church 1885-1892
Rev William P. Treacy 1850-1906
Rev John J. Hill 1857-1894
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7864552
Reverend Fathers Treacys of New Jersey and Bishop
O’Farrell of Trenton
The following account and has been compiled
mainly from newspaper reports of the time, as there does not appear to have
been any other published accounts.
It was
reported that Monsignor Satolli was sent to the United States as the Apostolic
Archbishop in order to settle disputes mainly between bishops and priests. In
the New York Times of the 4th February 1893, it reports that Mgr.
Satolli, interviewed Rev. William P. Treacy pastor of St. Mary’s Church
Swedeborough, New Jersey, the brother of Rev. P. A. Treacy, and decided in his
favour and against Bishop O’Farrell. This is contrary to the events that
followed.
On the 19th
February a letter from the Bishop was read in St. Paul’s church denouncing
Father P.A. Treacy, who was celebrating mass in the house of Patrick Collins in
defiance of the Bishop’s order. On the 5th March, Bishop O’Farrell,
placed Rev. W.P. Treacy and the Rev. P.A. Treacy under the ban and notified the
catholic of the diocese not to affiliate with them. As a result of supporting
his brother, Father W.P. Treacy was removed as pastor of St. Mary’s Church, by
the Bishop. In Father Treacy’s account he stated that the Bishop had initially
ordered that he should go into a spiritual retreat for ten days and then serve
the parish of Swedesborough for a period of three years on probation. This move
by the bishop was met with a whirlwind of opposition from the parishioners.
Father W.P. Treacy had been there for five years and had the strong support of
the parishioners. He was advised not to submit to the order and open war was at
once declared.
The case was
the referred to Mgr. Satolli who recommended that the brothers be relieved of
duty. They refused to acknowledge either Mgr. Satolli or Bishop O’Farrell,
because they claimed their case was pending in Rome. On 7th March,
McFaul the Vicar General of the Trenton diocese issued a proclamation
excommunicating the Rev P.A. Treacy and Rev. W.P. Treacy, at the request of the
Bishop.
A Father
Walter Leahy arrived to take over the Swedesborough Parish but Father W.P.
Treacy refused to turn over the church to him. Civil proceedings were then
taken by both sides for the control of the church property and contents. The
sheriff decided to give possession of the church to Father Treacy and the
contents to Father Leahy but then decided to forestall his decision. Both sides
conducted their own church services in private houses, which were supported
equally by parishioners. Subsequently, Father Leahy obtained possession of the
church while Father Treacy held possession of the parish house.
In a report
of the 15th March, Father W.P. Treacy restated Mgr. Satolli, earlier
position against Bishop O’Farrell.
In a report
of the 20th March, the stalemate was continuing with the rival
priests still excluded from the church building and celebrating mass in private
houses. The congregation for Father Leahy was increasing as parishioners feared
excommunication if they supported Father W.P. Treacy. On 2nd April,
46 parishioners attended Father W.P. Treacy’s service to the 138 attending
Father Leahy, however the collection at Father W.P. Treacy’s service was stated
to be twice as large as Father Leahy.
On 9th
April, the Bishop visited Swedesboro with vicar-general McFaul, and celebrated
mass to a packed church of townspeople, eager to hear his sermon. He stated
that those who returned to the flock would be pardoned, otherwise they would be
denied the sacraments. He said that Father P.A. Treacy, formerly of Burlington,
had made threats against McFaul. Father W.P. Treacy continued to say mass at
the house of Edward Monahan, where there were only three persons present.
In a report
of the 18th April of the New Jersey Court of Chancery, the position
of Mgr. Satolli as spokesman for the Holy See was challenged. Counsel for
Father W.P. Treacy further denied that he had violated any law of the Church
and stated that the Bishop O’Farrell was well known for ignoring and contemning
the law of the Church as established by cannon law. He also claimed that his
case was pending at Rome.
On 27th
April, Mgr. Satolli had to testify in Washington to prove his credentials. He
also stated that on 25th April Father W.P. Treacy had called on him
to ask to be relieved of his sentence of excommunication and that he had
offered to grant his request providing he would apologize to the Bishop. Father
W.P. Treacy said he would do so provided he was restored to his parish at
Swedesborough. Since this was a matter for decision by Bishop O’Farrell, Father
W.P. Treacy had left the matter pending.
On 2nd
May, the Vice Chancellor of New Jersey, refused to eject Father W.P. Treacy
from the parsonage of Swedesborough.
In newspaper
reports at this time, Father W.P. Treacy was labelled a hero. With regard to
his character, it was reported that he had risked his life three times to save
others. “His first heroic act was to rescue a colored boy from death in the
Chesapeake bay during a terrible storm when even the trained life guards
flinched. In 1878 the priest jumped into the Bronx near Fordham college and
saved the life of James Murphy. When the village of Aeganhoven in Belgium was
destroyed by fire, Father Treacy directed the work of the rescuers from the
roofs of the burning buildings and left them only after every man, woman and
child had been accounted for.”
On the 31st
May, the suits in the Court of Chancery and the Supreme Court were withdrawn
and Father W.P. Treacy was to be paid $500, the amount due to him from the
parish accounts. There had been insinuations that he had made free with the
parish funds.
In accounts
of the 15th August 1893, Father W.P. Treacy was restored to his Swedesboro
parish with all censures removed by Mgr. Satolli. He also received a letter of
recommendation to all the bishops in the country. The followers of Father W.P.
Treacy were jubilant over his restoration. Bishop O’Farrell said that he was
willing to forgive him if the apology had been made in the proper spirit.
In the letter
of the 31st December 1894, Father P. A. Treacy to Kirby, it states that his
brother, Father William Treacy, having been appointed a curate by Dr. McFaul.
March 30 1906
The New Brunswick Daily Times
Rev. Father
William P. Treacy, who had been pastor of St. Josephs Catholic church at
Millstone for the past two years died at the rectory there shortly before midnight
on Wednesday [March 28, 1906]...born in Tipperary, Ireland, 56 years ago...no
relatives in this country...
March 31, 1906 New Brunswick Daily Times
Treacy - At
St. Joseph's Rectory, East Millstone, NJ on March 28 1906, Rev William P.
Treacy, of Tipperary, Ireland, aged 56 years.
Friends are
invited to attend the funeral at St. Josephs Church, on Monday morning at 9
o'clock.
The body will
lay in state for friends to view the remains in St. Josephs Church after 3 pm
Sunday afternoon.
|
Correspondence from Rev. Patrick Aloysius
Treacy to Tobias Kirby, Rector, Irish College Rome. http://www.irishcollege.org/archive.htm 22 December [1879] Holograph letter from P. A. Treacy, St. Joseph's, Washington, Warren Co., New Jersey, to Kirby: Informed that he is related to Kirby. His present post. Congratulations on dignity lately conferred on recepient by Pope. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 28 February 1880 Holograph note from P A Tracy, Missionary Rector of St. Item Joseph's Church, Washington, Warren Co, New Jersey, U.S. to Dr. Kirby. Tracy sends his most respectful regards and gives his address. The New Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 16 August 1880 Holograph letter from P. A. Treacy, Washington, to Kirby: Sends books. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 31 May 1881 Holograph letter from Patrick Treacy, St. Joseph's Church, Washington, New Jersey, U. S., to Kirby: Congratulations. Sent book as present. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 12 August 1881 Holograph letter from Patrick A. Treacy, Oxford, New Jersey, U.S.A., to Kirby: Is he to be a Bishop of Omaha? The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 22 October 1881 Holograph letter from P. A. Treacy, New Jersey, U.S.A., to Kirby: Informs Dr. Kirby that reports prevailing in the diocese about his appointment to Omaha were untrue. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 25 October 1881 Holograph letter from P. A. Treacy, New Jersey, U.S.A., to Kirby: Thanks Dr. Kirby for favour. Sends books as token. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 5 June 1882 Holograph letter from P. A. Treacy, St. Rose's Church, Oxford, New Jersey, to Kirby: Books, one for Pope, one for Dr. Kirby which have been written by writer's brother. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 18 February 1884 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Oxford, to Kirby: Sending the Catholic Directory for 1884, just to hand. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 18 April 1885 Holograph letter from P.A. Treacy, Oxford, New Jersey, to Kirby: Enclosing two copies of brother's book - 'Tributes from Protestant to the Truth and Beauty of Catholicity', one for the Pope and one for Kirby. Gives family news. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 28 July 1885 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Oxford, New Jersey, to Kirby: Writer informs Kirby that he is sending him two copies of the 'Tributes' adding that his brother wishes Kirby to dispose of them as he sees fit. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 28 March 1886 Holograph letter from Rev. Patrick A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: Letter of thanks for plenary indulgence 'in articulo mortis'. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 17 June 1886 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Writer's name has been sent to Rome for diocese of Wilmington; Cardinal of Baltimore favours Fr. Gross, priests favour Fr. Keily, most of Bishops favour Fr. Treacy - asks Kirby to pray that God's Will be done. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 18 October 1886 Holograph letter from Rev. Patrick Aloysius Treacy, New Jersey, to Kirby: As writer and brother, Rev. William P. Treacy, wish to travel 'in the interests of Catholic literature', they ask Kirby to obtain for them title and privileges of Missionaries Apostolic, and also faculties in dioceses of Ephesus and Goa. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 15 February 1887 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Writer tells of desire from childhood to be a martyr - forced, through parents' dependence, to take a parish, but now free by reason of their deaths. Asks Kirby's prayers that his petition to be permitted to join Franciscans be granted. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 1 August 1887 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Sends copy of his brother's work, 'Irish Scholars on the Continent of Europe'. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 15 August 1887 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: Writer requests that permission be obtained for his brother's new book to be dedicated to the Pope. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 19 June 1888 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Writer sends three presentation copies of his brother's new book. Other news regarding brother's books etc. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 25 August 1888 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Sends book for Kirby's acceptance - has asked his 'old pastor' at Nice to write to Cardinal Simeoni as he thinks he could do Church service if he were made Bishop. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 8 November 1888 Holograph letter from Rev. Patrick A. Treacy, Burlington, to Kirby: Encloses letter from newly-elected President of the U.S.A., General Harrison in reply to one from writer warning him against 'arch-infidel Ingersoll' etc. Gives details of personal activities in the past regarding politics. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 26 August 1889 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: Encloses 2 copies of 'Old Catholic Maryland and its early Jesuit Missionaries', by his brother, the one bound in white silk velvet being for the Pope, and the one in purple for himself. His other lay brother, James J. Treacy, is preparing a book to be entitled 'Poetic Crystals of Catholic thought'. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome [circa 23 September 1889] Printed advertisement soliciting funds for a testimonial to the Item distinguished Catholic historian, John Gilmary Shea being collected by Rev. P. A. Treacy. Includes letter of support to Treacy from Cardinal Gibbons the Archbishop of Baltimore and a list of subscribers including many clergymen. The New Collection Catalogue 5 February 1890 Holograph letter from Rev. John P. Lonergan to Kirby: Addressed to 'Most Reverend and Dear Cousin', writer reminds Kirby that on his ordination 'about 5 years ago' another cousin, Fr. Treacy, sent his photograph. Gives a few details of himself, but most of letter concerns his brother, who should have been ordained the December before but who, on account of 'a foolish prank' was sent to a Trappist Monastery in Gethsemane, Kentucky, 'where the degraded among our clergy are sent to reform'. Asks Kirby to use his influence to have this punishment reduced. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 9 February 1891 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Rector, Burlington, U.S.A., to Kirby: Writer has sent Kirby 'per mail' Catholic Directory 1891. Gives details of testimonial fund for Dr. Shea for which, through exertions of writer, nearly $2,000 were collected - practical gratitude of Dr. Shea, and kindness of Cardinal Gibbons. Regarding 'buried history' in letters written by priests in America to friends in Ireland - emigration from Waterford. Asks Kirby if he could indicate 'some persons in that neighbourhood' who might assist writer and Dr. Shea in turning up information in which they are most interested. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 20 February 1891 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: Writer sends 3rd volume of John Gilmary Shea's 'History of the Catholic Church in the United States', which is dedicated to Fr. Treacy in conjunction with Cardinal Gibbons and other contributors to the J.G. Shea Testimonial Fund. Writer would like Kirby to obtain from Pope 'some token of appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Church by Dr. Shea during his long literary career. The Jesuit College of Georgetown has given him the degree of Doctor of Laws. If possible the writer would like to have him made Chevalier, Commendatore, or Knight of St. Gregory. No Catholic writer living deserves better of the Church …' The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 30 May 1891 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, U.S.A., to Kirby: Regarding refusal of American bishop to have Irish priests in his diocese, as he 'did not feel justified' in doing so, as he had more applications than he needed for his own diocese. Writer has therefore started 'The Association of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland', which has for its object the assisting of deserving young men to become priests on the American mission, as he thinks it is only fair in view of the steady stream of Irish immigrants. Writer names a few illustrious Irish bishops in America, and asks Kirby to obtain blessing of Pope for new Association. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 13 June 1891 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: As soon as the Association of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, has sufficient funds, writer intends to found some burses in the Irish College for those young Irish priests who will work in America. Has just written to Propaganda regarding this project. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 30 June 1891 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, N.J., to Kirby: Writer tells of blessing of Almighty God on his Association of St. Patrick, in that the Rev. J. McGuckin, Superior of the University of Ottawa, will take 100 Irish students who have completed their Classical Course, 'and will educate them free through Philosophy and Theology, and have them ordained priests of his Order - the Oblates of Mary Immaculate'. Encloses printed leaflet regarding the Association. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 30 January 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Burlington, U.S.A., to Kirby: Writer thanks Kirby for copy of his book. Has asked publishers to send Kirby American Catholic Directory for 1892. Regarding personal health. Asks Kirby to obtain for himself, his friends and benefactors a Plenary Indulgence at time of death - also 'some sufficient recognition' of his services in raising volunteers in 1840 [1860?] to fight for the Pope under O'Reilly, etc., 200 men prepared to go, but delay occurred. Writer only 17 years old at the time. Now asks military decoration of St. Gregory, which he 'would have won' by his services in the field if opportunities had been afforded him. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 1 September 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, New Jersey to Kirby: Writer hopes to leave for Rome on 3rd September, and to pay his respects both to the Pope and to Kirby The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 23 September 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: As advised by Kirby, writer called at Propaganda only to learn that Mgr. Persico is in France. Perhaps it is just as well, however, as he has decided against lodging a complaint against Bishop O'Farrell. Gives reasons and details of course he means to pursue. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 26 September 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer thanks Kirby for his letter. He may have to trouble him with correspondence in connection with his case, but does not wish Kirby to bother to reply to this letter, as any advice Kirby has for him can be given on Kirby's return to Rome. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 26 September 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P.A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer asks Kirby to forward any letters which arrive for him at the College and gives his address. Has received celebret and has said Mass twice at Church of the Holy Guardian Angels. Encloses copy of circular issued 'by the vast majority of the congregation of St. Paul's Church, Burlington', while the writer was confined in a lunatic asylum. Gives details of how a Fr. [Speirings] who came to Rome to seek redress against Bishop O'Farrell was kept so long by Propaganda and had to spend much money, over $2000, and all to no avail, the case having been decided against him. Writer has heard that he had since died of a broken heart. Gives details of his own 'imprisonment' in the asylum and of the Bishop's actions. Also of a priest who accuses the Bishop of immorality and the Bishop's dealings with him. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 29 September 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: In order to remove the impression made on Cardinal Gibbons by writer's confinement in an asylum, he has sent him an enclosed letter. The Cardinal [Gibbons] has shown himself friendly. The writer presented the Cardinal with 'a large and beautiful portrait of himself'' to show his appreciation of the assistance the Cardinal gave the writer when latter was collecting for Dr. Shea's memorial. Writer's brother also dedicated a book he wrote to the Cardinal. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 3 October 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer is sorry that he came to Rome, as his opinion of the administration of the Church is now changed. Mentions the case of Fr. Coyne, of Galway who was told that his case had been heard twice, when a Cardinal assured him that it had not been heard at all, although nearly two years in Rome. Also tells of Fr. Spierings, who died of a broken heart and gives some details of his treatment by his bishop [O'Farrell]. Writer came to the conclusion that 'Bishop O'Farrell deserved death and I saw no other way of vindicating myself than by killing him. This was no temporary excitement. I went to work deliberately about it. I said Mass to know God's will. I felt that by giving my life on the scaffold for having killed the blighter of my reputation Bp. O'Farrell, I should have proved my innocence. My friends concurred in the view that I was perfectly justified in killing Bp. O'Farrell. My brother came and showed me a letter in which Bp. O'Farrell declared he would deprive me of my parish. He begged me not to bring the disgrace on him of having him pointed out as the brother of the priest who shot Bp. O'Farrell'. [Much more in the same vein.] The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 10 October 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer sees nothing for it but to return to Burlington at once and commence prosecution of Bishop O'Farrell 'for conspiracy and false imprisonment', claiming damages at $50.000. Letter wholly concerns dealings with Bishop O'Farrell. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 15 October 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer thanks Kirby for forwarding the letter from his brother, which advises him that 'the fight has begun in earnest' between Bishop O'Farrell and the Treacy brothers. Gives details again of the Bishop's actions - now the only course, if the Pope and Propaganda will not help, is to bring a case against the Bishop in the American courts. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 21 October 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, to Kirby: Writer asks Kirby to obtain for self and all his 'faithful friends' plenary indulgence at hour of death. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 10 November 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Does not call on Kirby for fear of compromising him. Solution to his trouble is quite simple - restore him to his parish and secure his brother in his, and he 'will guarantee that everything will go on smoothly'. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 17 November 1892 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rome to Kirby: Writer regrets he sees no satisfactory settlement to his case. Goes into great detail as to his course of action for future. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome 31 December 1894 Holograph letter from Rev. P. A. Treacy, Philadelphia to Kirby: It has been arranged that writer may say Mass at the hospital of St. Agnes, from whence he writes, until such time as he obtains 'an active position in the ministry'. New Bishop of Trenton, Dr. McFaul, with whom he has had several 'amicable personal interviews' is to pay his board. Enclosing copies of letters to him from Mgr. Satolli, Apostolic Delegate, and from Rev. J. F. Loughlin, Chancellor. Letter concludes by asking Kirby's blessing and gives the news of his brother, Rev. William Treacy, having been appointed a curate by Dr. McFaul. The Kirby Collection Catalogue Irish College Rome |
|
The New York Times – Selected Headlines http://query.nytimes.com/search/query?srchst=p February 5, 1893 ANOTHER DECISION BY MGR. SATOLLI. March 6, 1893 PRIESTS UNDER THE BAN.; TWO BROTHERS RESISTING THE AU- THORITY OF BISHOP O'FARRELL. March 8, 1893 The Treacys Are Excommunicated. March 13, 1893 EXCOMMUNICATED BY SATOLLI.; FATHER TREACY TAKES HALF HIS CONGREGATION WITH HIM. March 14, 1893 FATHER TREACY MUST GO; THE SHERIFF IS WARNED OF APPROACHING TROUBLE. FATHER LEAHY SAYS HIS PEOPLE CONTEMPLATE TAKING THE CHURCH PROPERTY BY FORCE -- FATHER TREACY SAYS NOTHING WOULD TEMPT HIM TO YIELD. March 14, 1893 MGR. SATOLLI AND THE POPE. March 16, 1893 MAY HAVE A RIOT SUNDAY.; THE CHURCH TROUBLE AT SWEDESBOROUGH STILL UNSETTLED. March 19, 1893, Wednesday The Rival Priests of Swedesborough. March 20, 1893 WARRING CHURCH FACTIONS.; CATHOLICS OF SWEDES BOROUGH, N.J., HOLD SERVICES IN PARLORS. March 30, 1893 A CATHOLIC CHURCH WAR OVER.; FATHER LEAHY WINS AND FATHER TREACY IS ENJOINED. April 17, 1893 FATHER TREACY ALARMED.; A Demonstration by the Followers of Father Leahy. April 19, 1893 SATOLLI MUST SHOW AUTHORITY.; The Swedesborough Church Case Will Rest Until He Does It. April 20, 1893 MGR. SATOLLIS POWERS. April 28, 1893 SATOLLIS POWER SUPREME.; No Appeal from His Decisions Will Be Entertained by the Pope. May 3, 1893 NOT YET RID OF FATHER TREACY.; Decision for Him in the Swedesborough Church Case -- Satolli's Power. |
Catholic
Church of the Diocese of Trenton, N.J. collected and compiled by Walter T.
Leahy. (1906)
In 1873, Rev.
Patrick A. Treacy succeeded to this charge, and he enlarged the church and
became first resident pastor of Oxford. Father Treacy remained in charge till
1885...
The second
pastor of St. Joseph's was the Rev. Patrick Treacy, who remained at Washington
till 1882, during which time he opened a day-school for the parish children. In
1882 Father Treacy, preferring the town of Oxford, took up his residence there,
thus making Washington a Mission Church, much to the dissatisfaction of the
people and the detriment of religion...
The next
incumbent of this parish was the Rev. Patrick A. Treacy, who came from the
Oxford Parish. He took charge in February, 1885, and for a time was very
pleasing to the people, but about 1890 it was noticed that his mind was
beginning to weaken, and, as time advanced, the malady increased. Finally, in
1892, at the request of the people, Bishop O'Farrell was obliged to remove him
from his charge. This removal he resisted until the medical and civil
authorities enforced his departure, but not till much annoyance had been caused
the Bishop and his friends trouble. After-events proved the Bishop was right.
He retired to Mt. Hope Retreat, Baltimore, where he resides under the kindly
care of the Sisters of Charity...
For several
years Father Treacy led a quiet and studious life, but in 1892 the trouble
which broke out in Burlington spread to this quiet little town, for when Bishop
O'Farrell decided to remove Father Patrick Treacy from his charge at
Burlington, Father William, his brother, took up the case against the Bishop.
Then, with the advice of a third brother, Mr. James Treacy, and some hot-headed
followers, began a series of incidents that were very annoying to all good
Catholics. William was placed under cen'sure by his Bishop. He then appealed
his case to Rome. It was referred back to the Apostolic Delegate and decided
against him. On February 28, 1892, he was deposed from his charge, and Father
Leahy, curate at Perth Amboy, was sent to succeed him, but Father Treacy
refused to yield. Then ensued a controversy which continued for three months,
during which time the congregation was divided into two factions. Further
appeals were made to Rome ; the case went to the Court of Chancery; the
rebellious pastor and his supporters were excommunicated and life was made
miserable for all concerned. Finally the case was settled, and after all court
expenses were paid, Father Treacy retired to private life until such time as
the Bishop restored him to a charge. This case gained a great deal of notoriety,
and drew forth a vast amount of useless criticism, but it also ended in loss to
Father Treacy. Again, after-events proved the Bishop was right...
...1894, who
in turn was succeeded by Rev. William P. Treacy. Father Treacy remained in
charge till the Fall of 1905, when he was transferred to Millstone...
REV. WILLIAM
P. TREACY.
Rev. William
P. Treacy was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, November 21, 1850. He studied
at Woodstock, Md., and Louvain, Belgium, for the Society of Jesus, and was
ordained a priest of that Society, September 8, 1880. October 28, 1886, he was
received into the Diocese of Trenton and given charge of Swedesboro. He was
removed from that parish, February 28, 1893, by Bishop O'Farrell and after an
absence of nearly two years from the Diocese, was appointed assistant to Father
John Brady, of South Amboy by Bishop McFaul. He was afterwards pastor of
Bradevelt and East Millstone, and died at the last named place, March 29, 1906.
(Leahy)
Donahoe's Magazine
Donahoe’s Magazine, Vol. Vi. July, 1880, To
January, 1881.
Historical and Biographical Stories, Sketches, Ankcdotes, etc. Compiled by James J. Treacy. Large lGmo, cloth, bright colors, gold and ink designs, 350 pages, $1.00.
This makes a very beautiful and attractive volume. Being very interesting and Catholic In tone, it is one of the very best books for premiums.
The above books can be had of Messrs.Noonan & Co., office of Donahoe's Magazine
Donahoe's Magazine, Volume 13-4, 1885
OUR Most Holy Father, Pope Leo Xlll., has been graciously pleased to impart his Apostolic Benediction, for the second time, to Mr. James J. Treacy, author of “ Tributes of Protestant
Writers to the Truth and Beauty of Catholicity,” and to signify his high appreciation of “Tributes” and of “Catholic Flowers from Protestant Gardens.” His Holiness has also deigned to honor Mr. Treacy with the present of an exquisite executed cameo, representing St. Joseph and the Infant Saviour, the work of a distinguished Roman artist.
CATHOLIC HISTORY OF MARYLAND
We know very many of our readers will be glad to learn that a work relative to the early missionaries of Maryland, to contain about two hundred pages, has been written by the Rev. William P. Treacy, S. J., and will soon be published. The learned author has been engaged for some time in examining the old documents in the Jesuit archives at Woodstock and other original sources of Catholic history. The coming work has been declared by competent judges who have examined it as a remarkable attempt at investigating the true sources of early Catholic history in the United States, as a work of great re- search, and of wide importance for the light it throws upon the history of the Church during-Colonial times.
TRIBUTES or Protestant Writers to the Truth and Beauty of Catholicity by james J. Treacy, author of " Catholic Flowers from Protestant Gardens," etc. Magna est veritas et prevalebit. Price $1,25
This is a most valuable collection of extracts from the writings of eminent Protestant authors. Among them Sir James Stephen, Archbishop Trench, Bishop Wordsworth, J. von Muller, Rev. J. M. Neale, Sir Francis Palgrave, Charles Phillips, William H. Prescott, John Ruskin, H. W. Longfellow, Lord Macaulay, Sir James McIntosh, William Cobbett, Henry Giles, James Anthon Froude, Grotius Hugo, Sir Archibald Allison, Lord Brougham, Edmund Burke, Thomas Carlyle, and a host of others, the whole forming a book of four hundred pages. From these selections, Protestants are forced to admit the truths of Catholicity.
A Learned Priest.
Rev. Patrick Aloysius Treacy, the new pastor of St. Paul's Church, Burlington, N. J., was born at Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland, in 1843. He was educated at a private school (at the select school of the Christian Brothers), and at the Classical Academy of his native town. He received his theological training in the Ecclesiastical Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia, and was ordained priest at the age of twenty-three. From 1866 to 1868 he was attached to St. Michael's Church, Philadelphia, where he endeared himself to the people by his attention to the cholera patients, and his zeal for the Christian education of the young. As curate to Vicar-General Walsh, of Philadelphia; to the venerable Father Maher, of Norristown, and t0 the learned and venerable Father Cauvin, of Hoboken, Father Treacy has had the best opportunities of learning his duties from distinguished pastors, who were trained in their professional functions in the great cities of New York and Philadelphia. Among his Professors in the faculties of theology and philosophy Father Treacy can name Bishops O'Hara, of Scranton, and O'Connor, of Omaha, the celebrated divine, Rev. Dr. Balfe, and Rev. Dr. Keogh, whose magnificent display at the examination in Rome won the admiration of the Pope himself. To indicate how high Father Treacy stood in the Seminary for talent and literary ability, it is only necessary to state that he was selected by Dr. Keogh to write the Theological Essay, and that the whole staff of Professors came specially to hear Father Treacy read it, and that he was called upon to read it over again, when Archbishop Wood was present at the annual examination. Father Treacy is an ardent Irish patriot. He advocates home Rule for Ireland, and even further, the total separation of Ireland from England. In the words of Henry Grattan, “ He will not be satisfied so long as the humble cottager in Ireland has a link of the British chain clanking to him.”
Allusion has been made in previous issues to Father Treacy’s labors as pastor of Washington, Oxford, and Belvidere, N. J. Oxford has become closely associated with his name in his literary, philosophical and poetical contributions to DONAHOE'S MAGAZINE and other periodicals.
Father P. A. Treacy is the elder brother of Mr. James J. Treacy, who has been lately honored by our Holy Father Pope Leo XIII. with the Apostolic Benediction for the second time, and with the present of a magnificent cameo executed by one of the most distinguished Roman artists, in testimony of His Holiness’ high and generous appreciation of Mr. Treacy's recent work,— "Tributes of Protestant Writers to the Truth and Beauty of Catholicity,” which the most Holy Father graciously deigned to examine with deep interest; and also, of an earlier compilation of Mr. Treacy's “Catholic Flowers from Protestant Gardens."
The third and youngest of this trio of literary brothers, Father William P. Treacy, S. J., pastor at Woodstock College, Maryland, was ordained in Louvain, Belgium. He is the author of the celebrated poetic “Lines to Rev. A. J. Ryan," and of a series of most interesting and patriotic, historical articles on “Irish Students in Continental Universities." While staying at Louvain, he availed himself of the opportunity to examine the original documents relating to the illustrious Irish ecclesiastics and soldiers, who, having been driven by British oppression from their native land, had won merited fame in the universities, courts and camps of Continental Europe.
Father W. P. Treacy is now engaged in preparing his “ History of the Early Jesuit Missions" for publication. One of his articles on that subject will soon appear in the Catholic World, and another in the American Catholic Quarterly Review.
Donahoe's
Magazine, Volume 19, 1888
The Rev. William P. Treacy, author of Irish
Scholars highly honored.
In a recent letter to the Rev. P. A. Treacy, pastor of Burlington, N. J., the venerable and learned Archbishop Tobias Kirby writes: -— “My dear Father Treacy: Your esteemed letter accompanied by the beautiful work on IRISH SCHOLARS, has come to hand. I thank you and your Rev. Brother for so valuable and useful a gift. It is full of most important and interesting information and reflects the highest credit on the mind and true Irish Catholic heart of the gifted author to whom I beg of you to present my sincere and grateful acknowledgments." The Rev. Charles P. Meehan, the distinguished Member of the Royal Irish Academy, has just written to the author:—“ My dear Rev. Friend; I have gone through a good portion of your work; and every page, prose and verse, charmed me more than I can tell you. God grant you many years to adorn the priesthood of Ireland and America." Aubrey De Vere*, an able historical scholar, and one of the most classic poets of this century, thus writes to Father Treacy :- "I heartily congratulate you on having turned to such good account the opportunities presented to you by your residence at many of the places you have so well illustrated, and think that you have conferred a great benefit on our fellow-countrymen both in Ireland and in America. I earnestly hope that they will turn their attention more and more to such subjects ——I was much struck by the beauty and pathos of many of your poems. I forwarded to you yesterday a volume by my father‘ Mary Tudor. I have also to ask your acceptance of my latest volume of Poetry, Legends and Records of the Church and the Empire, which my publisher will send you." The Dublin Nation, edited by the charming “National Bard of Ireland," Lord Mayor Sullivan, devotes two entire columns to a highly appreciative review of Irish Scholars. Among other things it says that “it recalls the days when Thomas Davis, and his fellow-workers were rousing a slumbering nation to the knowledge of the heritage of the history of its sons," etc., etc.
*‘Sir Aubrey De Vere, who was pronounced by Wordsworth to be the most perfect sonncter of the age.
Donahoe's
Magazine, Volume 23, 1890
The John Gilmary Shea Testimonial Fund.
[organised by] Rev. P. A. Treacy, Rector St. Paul’s Church, Burlington, New Jersey.
Rev. P. A. Treacy, Burlington, New Jersey, . . . . . . $50.
Rev. William P. Treacy, Swedesboro, New Jersey, . . . . . $50.
Mr. James J. Treacy, Philadelphia, . . . . . $25.
The
Monks of Erin.
by Rev. William P. Treacy. S.J.
The
Irish monks, the Irish monks, their names are treasured still
In many
a foreign valley, on many a foreign hill,
Their
preaching, prayers, and fasting are still the peasants' themes
Around
the coast of Cornwall, and along old Flanders' streams;
Their
lives austere and holy, and the wonders of their hands,
Still
nourish faith and sanctity through fair Italia's lands,
The
cross they bore in triumph, oh, bright as e'er it shines
Above
the domes of Austria, among the Tuscan vines.
Sedulius
the poet, and Columbkille the dove,
At Rome
and Hy are honoured, and remembered still with love;
At
Lucca, St Frigidian, in a church ablaze with lights,
Is
honoured with pure worship, 'mid the pomp of Roman rites.
Even
still the British miners exult on Piran's feast,
And
though they hate the Church of Rome, they venerate her priest.
The
bells of sweet Tarentum, as they wake the matin air,
Still
tell in tones of gladness that Cataldus' faith is there.
Quaint
Mechlin's noblest temple to an Irish monk is raised,
In
every home in Mechlin St. Rumold's name is praised;
Virgilius,
the gifted, in his glorious Saltzburg tomb,
Is
honoured by the silent prayer and by the cannou's boom,
Old
hymns are sung to Fridolin in the islands of the Rhine,
And the
relics of Besanvon's saint sleep in a silver shrine;
The
voice that roused Crusaders by the Tagus, Ithone, and Po,
Seems
ringing still o'er Mlalachy at the convent of Clairvaux.
The
Irish monks, the Irish monks, their spirit still survives
In the
stainless Church of Ireland, and in her priesthood's lives.
Their
spirit still doth linger round Holycross and Kells,
Oh,
Ireland's monks can know no death while gush our holy wells.
High
Cashel's fane is standing, and though in the spoiler's hand
Like
the captive ark of Judah, 'tis a blessing to our land,
For
proudly it reminds us of the palmy days of yore
When
kings were monks, and monks were kings, upon our Irish shore.
Ref:
William P. Treacy.
The Monks of Erin. The Irish Monthly, Vol. 12, No. 131 (May, 1884), p. 244 (Irish Jesuit Province)
April 28, 1888
The Irish standard (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Rhyme with Reason
- P.G. Smyth, Publisher, Chicago 1911
ERIN
Apart she stands from all the
world,
The Diadem of Isles;
Her-wooded hills like flags
unfurled,
Wave o'er her deep defiles;
Her castles—aged a thousand
years—
Her towers, as old as they,
Seem fresher grown from her sad
tears,
And know not of decay.
The sea-birds seek her rocky
cliffs,
The eagle seeks her sky,
The gallant ships, and painsed
skiffs
Within her havens lie;
Her Torrents leap in silver
showers,
in silver fall her rains,
The Shamrock, intertwined with
flowers,
Lie sleeping on her plains.
The red deer 'mid her crags leap
free,
The lark's song stirs her air,
Her thrushes squander melody
Around them everywhere;
There's music in her abbey-bells,
And in her sparkling rills,
There's beauty in her tuneful
dells—,
And grandeur on her hills.
Her ruins old, with glories
shine,
With glories like the morn's
There's glory On her cross
divine,
And round her crown of thorns;
There's glory round her peasant
homes.
Or where those homes have been,
There's glory on her shining
domes—
Such glory ne'er was seen.
Unchained to any vulgar land,
Our Isle glows in the West,
While winds and waves sleep on
her strand,
And in her caves find rest
But we, poor exiles, far away,
Sad pilgrims through the world,
Can only wait, and watch, and
pray
'Till her loved Flag's unfurled.
But when that day upon as breaks,
Like glory from the skies
When Freedom from her sleep
awakes
Anil—"Death or
Freedom."—cries.
Then like the dead from out their
graves,
Like lightning from the cloud,
We'll fill I dark ships, we'll
plough green waves
And round our Nation crowd.
We'll kiss her strand with
burning love,
We'll bless her o'er and o'er.
We'll grasp her Flag that floats
above,
And wave it o'er her shore
We'll sing Te Deums on her strand
'Till all the world will see,
And all men know that our green
land—
Thank God!—Is Free! Is Free!
—Rev. William P. Treacy.
May 26, 1888 The Irish standard
(Minneapolis, Minn.) & Donahoe's
magazine. v.19 (1888).
The
Gaelic Tongue by
Rev WP Treacy
Oh! What scenes of joy and sorrow
does the Gaelic Tongue unfold!
Deed of heroes, deeds of martyrs,
in that grand old tongue are told,
Deeds that set priest-poets
dreaming, deeds o’er which gray soldiers wept,
Deeds that set each young hear
throbbing in that old tongue long have slept;
Ancient churches, abbeys hoary,
seem as if they just had sprung
As was had there consecration in
that ornate Gaelic tongue
All the stars of far off ages
full of lustre seem to glow,
As we hear that voice of music,
the sweet tongue of long ago.
‘Twas the tongue of Dathi’s
warriors as they slumbered round the camp fires,
‘Twas the toungue of Tara’s
minstrels as they touched their sounding lyres!
‘Twas the mystic tongue of Druids
in the solemn world and dim
‘Twas the holy tongue of vestals
when uprose their morning hymn!
‘Twas the lofty Tongue of Ard
Righs ‘mid the Councils of the great!
‘Twas the cultured Tongue of
Brehons as they penned the laws of State!
‘Twas the trumpet ere the battle,
‘twas the thunder ‘mid the fray –
‘Twas the terror of the foemen
with its war-cry, clear the way!
‘Twas the gleesome song of
triumph, ‘twas the weird and piercing wail,
‘Twas the dirge of flowing
sorrow, for the dead among the Gael!
‘Twas the soft sweet strain of
maidens as the stars peeped through the skies!
‘Twas the lullaby of mothers as
their darlings closed their eyes!
‘Twas the voice of monks and
hermits in fair Erin’s lone detiles!
‘Twas the Tongue of St. Columba
as he coasted Scotia’s isles!
‘Twas the Tongue of royal Cormac
as his deeds he used to tell!
‘Twas the Tongue of fearless
Brendan ‘mid the wild Atlantic swell!
‘Twas the bold tongue of our
Fathers when our own green Isle was free!
‘Tis the Tongue of native
Freedom, ‘tis the tongue of chivalry
‘Tis a Tongue of sacred memories,
‘tis our golden tongue of yore –
‘Tis that music tongue should
flourish round old Erin’s sea-girt shore!
While the Bandon (?) rolls on
nobly, and the proud Owen (?) lifts its head,
While we fell our grandaires’
spirit, while we venerate our dead,
While our Irish hearts are
beating, while a noble deed is sung
We will never let it perish, we
will love that Gaelic Tongue!
We will gather up the fragments, with a tender
loving care
As we find them in dim records,
or illumed in books of prayer,
As we find them in each story of
our country’s centuried wrong,
As we find them gently flowing on
the gleaming tide of song –
As we find them as a treasure
that has come down from the past,
We shall keep them as a blessing
while our strength and life shall last.
When the proud songs of liberty
our Island home shall sing.
Oh! ‘tis then e’en more than ever
to our Gaelic Tongue we’ll cling.
Oct 3, 1896 Front Page, Southern
Star, Cork
Last
update: 21 February 2024