Bartholomew Esmonde

Fr. Bartholomew Esmonde SJ (1789–1862), was an Irish Jesuit priest, educator, and amateur architect. He was responsible for the design of Saint Francis Xavier Church, Dublin.[1] He briefly served as superior to the Irish Society of Jesus in 1820.

Life

Bartholomew Esmonde was born 12 December 1789, the second son of Dr. John Esmonde and Helen (née O'Callan) of Sallins, Co. Kildare. Bartholomews father John Esmonde (of the Esmonde baronets family, of Ballynastragh, Co. Wexford) was executed by hanging, following his role in the United Irishmen, 1798 Rebellion in Prosperous, Co. Kildare.[2] Bartholomews older brother was the Rt. Hon. Sir Thomas Esmonde MP for Wexford. Educated at the Jesuit novitiate at Stonyhurst College, England and studied philosophy and theology Palermo, Italy.

In conjunction with two of his brethren, Paul Ferley and Charles Aylmer, compiled A short Explanation of the Principal Articles of the Catholic Faith (Palermo, at the royal printing-office), 1812, 12mo; and The Devout Christian's Daily Companion, being a Selection of Pious Exercises for the use of Catholics (Palermo, 1812).

Fr. Esmonde returned to Ireland as Master of Novices at Clongowes Wood College, later he served as Rector of Clongowes. He lived in Rome from 1842, where he was did much of the design of the Gardiner St. church and then Malta, returning to Ireland in 1850.[3]

Fr. Esmonde died on 15 December 1862.[4] A Portrait of him is in the Jesuits building in Gardner Street, also a monument to him in St. Michaels Church, Gorey, both commissioned and gifted by his brother, Sir Thomas Esmonde.[5]

References
  1. Bartholomew Esmonde Dictionary of Irish Architects.
  2. Dr. John Esmonde Dictionary of Irish Biography
  3. Opening of Convitto 170 years ago malta www.jesuit.org.uk
  4. Reverend Barholomew Esmonde www.thepeerage.com
  5. St Michaels Catholic Church Gorey www.buildingsofireland.ie
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