“I don’t think there’s anything to choose between Britain and Germany.” This is a quote form Father Hugh O’Flaherty and his stance on World War II from the beginning the war. (Walker) While this might sound like he supported the holocaust in this quote, he was actually just expressing his distaste for the war and his want to save every life, not just the allies. Reading about Father Hugh O’Flaherty has taught me a lot about the moral reasons behind stopping wars, forgiveness, and loving your enemy.
Mgr Hugh O’Flaherty was raised during the Irish Conflict. During The Conflict, also known as The Troubles, a group called the Black and Trans violently enforced Britain's rule over Northern Ireland and killed many Irish Catholics due to their slightly differing beliefs to the Protestants. …show more content…
(Walker) So he continued on. Later, the man who had been giving the orders to kill him was caught and arrested. He was held in prison and eventually he asked to see Hugh. Hugh obliged and when he met with the man who wanted him dead, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Kappler, the man apologized profusely and wanted to bury the hatchet. They, somehow, ended up becoming friends and having regular meetings. Hugh, eventually, after quite a few meetings convinced the man to want to be baptized, and Kappler wanted Hugh to be the one to do it. (William)
To me, this is inspiring to no end. Not just that situation but Hugh O’Flaherty’s life as a whole. His entire life was filled with conflict and strife but he is able to maintain his faith and live it to the fullest without hesitation. He perfectly fulfilled the golden rule of turn the other cheek and I don’t understand how someone could do that. Personally I hold grudges and have a hard time loving my enemy but he seemed to do it with ease right after saving tens of thousands of lives while flying in the face of
Mgr Hugh O’Flaherty was raised during the Irish Conflict. During The Conflict, also known as The Troubles, a group called the Black and Trans violently enforced Britain's rule over Northern Ireland and killed many Irish Catholics due to their slightly differing beliefs to the Protestants. …show more content…
(Walker) So he continued on. Later, the man who had been giving the orders to kill him was caught and arrested. He was held in prison and eventually he asked to see Hugh. Hugh obliged and when he met with the man who wanted him dead, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Kappler, the man apologized profusely and wanted to bury the hatchet. They, somehow, ended up becoming friends and having regular meetings. Hugh, eventually, after quite a few meetings convinced the man to want to be baptized, and Kappler wanted Hugh to be the one to do it. (William)
To me, this is inspiring to no end. Not just that situation but Hugh O’Flaherty’s life as a whole. His entire life was filled with conflict and strife but he is able to maintain his faith and live it to the fullest without hesitation. He perfectly fulfilled the golden rule of turn the other cheek and I don’t understand how someone could do that. Personally I hold grudges and have a hard time loving my enemy but he seemed to do it with ease right after saving tens of thousands of lives while flying in the face of