author

William Gahan

1730–1804

An Irish Augustinian priest whose books of prayer and practical devotion reached readers far beyond Dublin, he helped shape Catholic life in the English-speaking world. His life also took a dramatic turn when he refused in court to reveal what he had heard while ministering to a dying nobleman.

1 Audiobook

The Complete Manual of Catholic Piety Containing a Selection of Fervent Prayers, Pious Reflection, and Solid Instructions, Adapted to Every State of Life. To Which is Annexed a Supplement, Containing Excellent and Approved Devotions, With the Epistles and Gospels for All the Sundays and Festivals of the Year.

The Complete Manual of Catholic Piety Containing a Selection of Fervent Prayers, Pious Reflection, and Solid Instructions, Adapted to Every State of Life. To Which is Annexed a Supplement, Containing Excellent and Approved Devotions, With the Epistles and Gospels for All the Sundays and Festivals of the Year.

by William Gahan

About the author

Born in Dublin on June 5, 1732, he entered the Augustinian order in 1748, studied at Louvain, was ordained in 1755, and returned to Dublin in 1761. There he served at St Paul's before rejoining the Augustinian community at John's Lane, where he later served as prior and provincial.

He was known as a preacher, teacher, and remarkably productive religious writer. His Manual of Catholic Piety first appeared in 1788 and went on to have a long life in print, with many later editions and wide use in Ireland, Britain, the United States, and elsewhere.

He is also remembered for his part in the Lord Dunboyne case. After attending Dunboyne at the end of his life, he refused in court to disclose the nature of his religious ministrations, was examined repeatedly, and was briefly jailed for contempt in 1802. He died in Dublin on December 6, 1804.