Local MEP and family meet Pope Leo to commemorate their famous ancestor
MEP Ciaran Muloolly and family members met Pope Leo in Rome as a part of special event to commemorate their ancestor Fr Joseph Mullooly's contribution to archaeology in Rome.
Local MEP Ciaran Mullooly and his family had a special meeting with Pope Leo in Rome recently to pay tribute to their famous ancestor’s contribution to archaeology in the Italian city.
Lanesborough priest Fr Joseph Mullooly moved to Rome in the 1800s and went on to become one of the city's most renowned archaeologists.
The Ballyleague-based Independent Ireland MEP, other family members and Fr Turlough Baxter, PP Lanesborough, travelled to the holy city for a special commemoration of Fr Mullooly, hosted by the European Parliament in San Clemente basilica in Rome.
The event preceded a personal meeting with Pope Leo where Mr Mullooly presented the Pontiff with the gift of a handcrafted crucifixion made by Willie Creighton, who delivers wood turning classes at Men's Sheds in County Roscommon.
Mr Creighton also made a chalice which was presented to San Clemente basilica and a bible stand he made was presented recently to St Mary’s Church in Lanesborough.
All three gifts were handcrafted from one ash tree located at the homestead of Fr Mullooly in Lehery, Lanesborough.
Some time after Fr Mullooly became a priest, he was sent to San Clemente in Rome where he was appointed Superior in 1850.
During his time there, he carried out significant excavations at the internationally acclaimed St. Clemente Basilica while also discovering the fresco of Pope Clement I.
Fr Mullooly died in June 1880 and in 1912 his remains were removed from the Campo Verano cemetery and now rest in a vault in front of the altar in the excavated church.
On Radio 1 on Sunday, September 28th, at 6 p.m., the History Show will look at the remarkable life and times of the Lanesborough priest.
