author

Charles Michael Baggs

1806–1845

An Irish-born Roman Catholic bishop, scholar, and antiquary, he rose quickly through church life in Rome before leading the Western District of England for a short final chapter of his career. He is especially remembered for learning, strong opinions, and his book on Holy Week ceremonies in Rome.

1 Audiobook

The Ceremonies of the Holy-Week at Rome

The Ceremonies of the Holy-Week at Rome

by Charles Michael Baggs

About the author

Born in Belville, County Westmeath, Ireland, on 21 May 1806, Charles Michael Baggs was educated first in Protestant schools and later at Catholic institutions including St. Edmund's College and the English College in Rome. In Rome he proved to be an outstanding student, winning prizes across a wide range of subjects from theology to mathematics.

After his ordination in 1830, he stayed in Rome and became vice-rector and then rector of the English College. He also earned the favor of Pope Gregory XVI, which helped make him a well-known figure in Roman Catholic circles. Alongside his church work, he wrote The Ceremonies of Holy-Week at Rome, a book that kept his name in print long after his death.

In 1844 he was appointed titular Bishop of Pella and Vicar Apostolic of the Western District of England. His time in office was brief: he died near Bristol on 16 October 1845 at just 39 years old. Even in a short life, he left the impression of a gifted churchman whose scholarship and ecclesiastical career were closely tied to Rome.