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| Blessed Peter Higgins, Pray for us ! |
⛪ Other Names : Peadar Γ Huiggin
⛪ Memorial : 20 June as one of the Irish Martyrs
⛪ Born : 1601 in Ireland
⛪ Died : Martyred on 23 March 1642 in Dublin, Ireland
Blessed Terence-Alberto O'Brien and Pietro Higgins were born in Ireland in 1601, and both entered the Dominican Order in 1622. They suffered martyrdom for their constant fidelity to the Church of Christ and the Pope. They refused to recognize the King of England as head of the Church.
Terence Alberto O'Brian was a direct descendant of the ancient and illustrious lineage of the Kings of Ireland. After completing his studies in Toledo, he was ordained presbyter in 1627. Here he received more accurate formation, both in the sacred sciences and in the Laws, also well in the spirit of the Order. He distinguished himself both in virtues and in knowledge, while returning to his homeland. He was repeatedly elected Prior and Provincial. With this title he intervened at the General Chapter of Rome in 1644, where he received the title of Master in Theology. The fame of his ardent zeal and profound doctrine reached Pope Urban VIII, who, knowing how much need those peoples had threatened by heresy, of holy and courageous Pastors, in 1648 he appointed him Bishop of Emly. When he returned to his homeland, the new Bishop did not disappoint the Pope's hopes and with unflagging ardor he dedicated himself to the care and defense of his flock. But he was not far. The heretical emperor Ludwig Hirton besieged the episcopal city, but he resisted heroically. The cruel assailant then realized that the soul of the resistance was the Holy Bishop Terence, and he had him secretly offer a large sum of money, to leave the city. He had a noble and disdainful refusal that cost the poor prelate's life. Taken and sentenced to death, he first made a warm exhortation to his people, and then, with a happy heart, offered himself to the executioner. God honored him with prodigies after his death.
With fifteen other comrades who received the same martyrdom between 1579 and 1654, they were solemnly beatified on 27 September 1992 by Pope John Paul II.