Item 5/1/2/5 - St. Joseph's Retreat, Cloonamahon, Collooney

Patrick Morrisroe the son of Mary Brennan and John Morrisroe (the baker) was born in Charlestown, County Mayo 19th February 1867. His sponsors were Luke Brennan and Frances Kelly. He joined several siblings. As seemed to follow family suit, he was educated at the local N.S. Seminary, then on to Ballaghadereen and Maynooth College. Following his ordination at the Cathedral at Ballaghadereen he served in the diocese of Achonry. In 1896 Patrick returned to Maynooth to become Junior Dean in the College.

CathedralPatrick was consecrated a Bishop at the age of 44 in the Cathedral, Ballaghadereen along with his cousin Most Rev. Bishop Michael J. O'Doherty, later to become Bishop of Zamboagna, in the Philippines. Most Rev. Dr. Healy, Archbishop of Tuam was the concecrating prelate, and was assisted by Rev. Dr. Clancy, the Bishop of Elphin. The congregation which filled the Cathedral included Messrs. John Dillon M.P., J. McVeagh M.P., and John O'Dowd M.P. The sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Beechler, Maynooth College.

A man of deep learning Patrick was an authority on theological and liturgical matters. His Lenten Pastoral of 1941, one of great controversy was censored by the government. There are two versions of the Pastoral, one before censorship and one after. In it he directs his final comments to a world in crisis. "As we pen these pages, beloved Brethren, we are face to face with a spectacle probably more appaling than any recorded in the annals of history. Long ago it was predicted that nation would rise agains nation and Kingdom against Kingdom."

At the age of 79 Patrick died at the Palace, Edmondstown House, Ballaghadereen. Priests and people from all parts of the Diocese of Achonry and from around the world attended the removal of the remains to St. Nathy's Cathedral. The Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Dr. Walsh officiated at the house. The funeral procession was headed by the members of the Diocesan Chapter and a large number of surpliced clergy of the diocese who chanted the Miserere. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul and Gardai acted as pall-bearers and marshals, and gardai, under the direction of Supt. J. Lyons provided a guard of honour. Members off all the Catholic organizations marched in the procession. His crypt is located within the sanctuary.

Taken from - https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~morrisroe/genealogy/notjustacouple.html

See also https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmorr.html