Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest who saved more than 6,500 people during World War II is being honored by the Irish State.
Monsignor O’Flaherty, originally from Kiskeam, County Cork, died 50 years ago. Ireland’s leader Enda Kenny has said it is time that O’Flaherty, and other Irish “humanitarian heroes”, were recognized by the State as well as being part of Ireland’s public consciousness.
O’Flaherty became known as the “Scarlet Pimpernel of The Vatican” because of his valiant exploits during World War II. The Cork priest is credited with saving over 6,500 Jews, Americans, and British soldiers by hiding them in safe houses around Rome.
Together with British escapee Lieutenant Sergeant Sam Derry, they set up and organization known as “The Rome Escape Line.” They provided food and supplies for those in hiding before eventually bringing them to safety.
After the war, Monsignor O'Flaherty received many decorations including Commander of the British Empire and the US Medal of Freedom.
His nephew, Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Hugh O'Flaherty, said he never spoke about the war. He said, "He was a genuinely very modest man.”
The Irish Prime Minister was speaking at event held in Killarney, County Kerry, to commemorate Monsignor O’Flaherty. Sister Agnes Hunt, of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas was honored with the Hugh O'Flaherty International Humanitarian Award at the event.
Read more: A heroic Vatican priest who saved Jews from the Nazis -- New book tells amazing story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty – VIDEO
Here’s the trailer for a movie based on his efforts, “The Scarlet and the Black” with Gregory Peck playing the role of O’Flaherty:
8 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.howareya | Nov 14, 2012, 03:25 PM EST
Portia....no Catholic bashing comment on this?
michealcollins | Nov 14, 2012, 09:34 AM EST
This is long overdue. He should have been recognized by Ireland well before 2012. Ever time I pass through Cahirciveen, I drop by his grave, and I tell my students about his involvement in saving Jews and allied POWs. Some of my students will ask, but why would he be willing to help the English after what had happened in his own country? My answer is that the man's maturity and willingness to forgive (but not forget) illustrates the belief that you cannot paint everbody with the same brush. It's a lesson to be learned.
glounlathan | Nov 13, 2012, 08:33 PM EST
Seanmor, what in the name of God has your comment to do with this article. Everybody knows about Black and Tans, but everything in the right place---can you talk about Treasure and a hero. If you want to go off in a tangent consider all the people the Irish displaced in the US. When Black Feet villages were flattened they did not think much of the Irish who joined in the taking of their land----including Thomas Francis Meagher---did you ever hear of that guy---talk of justice must be across the board.
barneyjo | Nov 13, 2012, 07:50 PM EST
And not before time. This man was a humanitarian Seanmor, and that does not make him any less of a patriot!!
aloistmartin | Nov 13, 2012, 06:06 PM EST
Are Cameron and Merkelstien still taking Nazi Bounties as payment on Ireland's Debt ?
cillowen | Nov 13, 2012, 10:36 AM EST
gregory peck looker but its too late for him
Murph46 | Nov 13, 2012, 10:03 AM EST
Tell me that picture isn't Karl Malden!
Seanmor | Nov 13, 2012, 09:19 AM EST
The future monsignor first became acquainted with the British military as a young man when his native county was placed under martial law (Dec., 1920). His local barony of Duhallow played a mojor role in the war that liberated a 4/5 of the Irish nation from 7 centuries of English rule.