Charles of Mount Argus
Charles of Mount Argus was a Dutch Passionist priest who served in 19th-century Ireland, gaining renown for his compassion towards the sick and those in need. He is remembered for his reputation for healings and miracles, which even earned a mention in James Joyce's novel Ulysses. He has been canonized by the Catholic Church and his feast day is January 5th.
- Feast Day
- 5 January
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Ireland
Key Facts
- ›He was born Joannes Andreas Houben on December 11, 1821, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- ›He joined the Passionists in 1845 and was given the religious name Charles of St. Andrew.
- ›He was transferred to Mount Argus in Dublin, Ireland, in July 1857.
- ›He was not a strong preacher but excelled in the confessional and in comforting the sick.
- ›His gift of healing the sick was widely recognized, leading to suspicion from some medical professionals and diocesan authorities.
- ›He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007.
Joannes Andreas Houben, Andrew Houben, Charles of St. Andrew
About Charles of Mount Argus
Charles of Mount Argus (born Joannes Andreas Houben, December 11, 1821 – January 5, 1893) was a Dutch Passionist priest renowned for his ministry in 19th-century Ireland. He gained a significant reputation for his profound compassion, particularly for the sick and those seeking spiritual direction. His life and work were marked by alleged healings and miracles, leading to widespread popular devotion and a mention in James Joyce's famous novel Ulysses.
Life and Ministry
Born in Munstergeleen, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to Peter Joseph Houben and Johanna Elizabeth Luyten, Andrew Houben was the youngest of eleven children from a poor family. He was a slow learner in his youth and exceptionally shy. After fulfilling his military service obligation, he felt called to religious life. In 1845, he entered the novitiate of the Passionists in Belgium, taking the religious name Charles of St. Andrew.
He was sent to serve in England in 1852 and later transferred to Ireland in July 1857 at the request of Ignatius Spencer, to the newly founded Passionist retreat of Blessed Paul at Mount Argus in Harold's Cross, Dublin. While not a gifted preacher and never fully mastering the English language, Charles excelled in the confessional and in comforting the sick, developing a deep affection for the Irish people.
Reputation as a Healer
Charles's gift for healing the sick became his most prominent legacy. Numerous accounts describe his ability to cure ailments, leading to great popularity. This popularity, however, also attracted suspicion from diocesan authorities and the medical profession. Some doctors complained that he discouraged people from seeking medical help, a claim that was later retracted. Unscrupulous individuals even began selling holy water blessed by Charles throughout Ireland, a practice he sought to discourage by a temporary transfer back to England in 1866.
He returned to Dublin in 1874 and remained there until his death on January 5, 1893. His funeral was attended by people from all over Ireland, a testament to the profound popular devotion he inspired.
Veneration and Canonization
The devotion surrounding Charles was evident from his funeral, with the monastery's Superior writing to his family, "The people have already declared him a saint." His writings were approved by theologians in 1934, and his cause for canonization was formally opened in 1935, granting him the title of Servant of God. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1988, following the declaration of a miracle attributed to his intercession: the inexplicable healing of Adolf Dormans from severe appendicitis in Charles's birthplace. Charles was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007. A special holy year was recognized by Pope Francis from December 2021 to January 2023 to commemorate the bicentenary of his birth, allowing for the gaining of plenary indulgences for those who visit his tomb at Mount Argus or his birthplace.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles of Mount Argus?
Charles of Mount Argus was a Dutch Passionist priest who lived in the 19th century and served in Ireland. He was born Joannes Andreas Houben and became known for his profound compassion, particularly towards the sick and those seeking spiritual guidance.
What is Charles of Mount Argus most famous for?
He is chiefly remembered for his reputation as a healer and for performing miracles. His compassionate work and perceived interventions were so significant that he is referenced in James Joyce's novel Ulysses.
When is the feast day of Charles of Mount Argus?
His feast day is celebrated on January 5th, the anniversary of his death.
How was Charles of Mount Argus canonized?
The cause for his canonization was formally opened in 1935, and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988 after a miracle involving the inexplicable healing of Adolf Dormans. He was ultimately canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007.
Where did Charles of Mount Argus serve?
After joining the Passionists in Belgium and serving in England, Charles was transferred to Ireland in July 1857. He served at the Passionist retreat of Mount Argus in Harold's Cross, Dublin, and remained there until his death.
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