The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh OFlaherty

The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty [ Brian Fleming] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Monsignor .
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In many ways it was the book by Brian Fleming that was the catalyst for the Hugh O'Flaherty Memorial Society - Brian wanted to make sure that the incredible story and more importantly selfless deeds of the Monsignor were not forgotten. That is our key objective. Brian felt that this book should be written to generate more awareness about this great man and his selfless humanitarian work.

Within months he had died and his death was reported by papers all over the world. Yet the only monument to him is a grove of trees planted in Killarney National Park in by his family and friends. The name of this great and good man is largely forgotten in his native Ireland. With true Irish storytelling flair, Gallagher makes Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican read like a novel. The chapters are filled with fascinating anecdotes who knew that the one of the refugees, a young Yugoslav med student, would end up marrying actress Gina Lollobrigida?

Any writer knows how hard it is to portray an honestly good person - in this Gallagher has succeeded. On the whole the book is well-written, fast-paced, and never disappoints. Hugh O'Flaherty - His Wartime Adventures written by Alison Walsh - published Review - This book is written in child friendly language and will capture the imagination of children at the senior end of the primary school. Hugh O'Flaherty was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. A Kerryman who loved sport, he was cheerful and full of energy.

From his safe base in the Vatican, he developed a network of contacts, including donors of money and food, to help escaped prisoners of war and others whose lives were in danger. But the work was very dangerous, especially when he ventured out in disguise. Sep 01, Nina rated it liked it. An Irish priest in the Vatican saved thousands of escaped POWs and Jews in Rome during WWII, assisted by extraordinarily brave local civilians, other priests, and some of the escaped POWs themselves who worked tirelessly on behalf of others in this little known story of heroism.

The sheer logistics were daunting. The huge numbers of people had to be moved around constantly, always one step ahead of the Gestapo investigators. And - money had to be raised, black market food sourced, and food and c An Irish priest in the Vatican saved thousands of escaped POWs and Jews in Rome during WWII, assisted by extraordinarily brave local civilians, other priests, and some of the escaped POWs themselves who worked tirelessly on behalf of others in this little known story of heroism. And - money had to be raised, black market food sourced, and food and clothing distributed daily for years without detection.

Pretty amazing, but I had to give the book only 3 stars because it wasn't that well written. It's too bad, because the people who ran this covert operation deserved better. Monsignor O'Flaherty saved the lives of so many thousands of Jews, British escapees from Prisoner of War camps and others with the help of many brave men and women who hid people in their homes at great risk to their lives and the lives of their families. Many were hidden in the Vatican and the Vatican properties. The Pope must have given approval as he surely knew what was happening but the Vatican had to be silent as they had been given neutrality in the city of Rome and they were also depende Monsignor O'Flaherty saved the lives of so many thousands of Jews, British escapees from Prisoner of War camps and others with the help of many brave men and women who hid people in their homes at great risk to their lives and the lives of their families.

The Pope must have given approval as he surely knew what was happening but the Vatican had to be silent as they had been given neutrality in the city of Rome and they were also dependent on the water supply from Rome. Despite the fact that the Germans were aware of his activities, the Monsignor continued to help people, often going out in disguise when the Germans were watching, hoping to capture him.

When so many German soldiers, Italian soldiers etc. They could have been worse, as far as the Vatican was concerned, and they were getting worse as the end of the war approached and the Vatican and the monsignor were in even more danger. Jan 17, David rated it it was amazing. This is quite the interesting and delightful biography.

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If this is an accurate portrait for the man, then Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty would be one of the most Christian men of his generation and many others. This biography is built primarily from sources other than the Monsignor himself who only gave one interview concerning his risky activities during World War II.

There are other books concerning the escape organization from Italy during the War, written by the participants, but none by the Mons This is quite the interesting and delightful biography. There are other books concerning the escape organization from Italy during the War, written by the participants, but none by the Monsignor. It appears that those that worked with him in the organization held him in great reverence. It's also clear that despite temptation that he lived mostly other than his love of golf, which he was apparently quite good at.

The book is very concise but draws a full picture of the man. I can see why he was honored by so many nations for his work. A hero This was an intriguing book.

The Scarlet and the Black lesson in FORGIVENESS Matthew 6:14-15

I couldn't put it down. This Monsignor was brave and faced many chances at being killed in the hands of Germans. But his sharpness and intelligence made him a hero to all he hid throughout Rome and Vatican territory from Germans killing them. There were at least six thousand.

People who were caught lived in poor conditions lack of food.

Hugh O Flaherty Memorial

Killed just because they were Italian Jewish etc. Germany wanted to take over Europe. But this Irish man Hugh O Flaherty won out. He should be a Saint for his heroism. I enjoyed learning about the Monsignor, Who help hide prisoners of war, who had escaped prison, as well as Jews, who were hiding from the Gestapo, and any other people who needed to hide during World War II. He risked his life many times. The book isn't very well written, but it tells a story, that was important to be told, about the people in Italy, who hid, feed, and gave money to support those people in hiding.

Jul 01, Jane Royal rated it it was amazing. The film was excellent so when I found this book As an educator of Political History who has taught The Holocaust, I recommended the film to students.

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Now I recommend this book. How people risk their lives to do "the ethical thing" in times of mass horror. Highly recommend both the book and the film which is available. This is a dramatic story about a humble and heroic individual and many others who supported his efforts to aid and rescue those sought allied servicemen, partisans, draft evaders, Jews, political opponents of the regime, etc by the Fascist or Nazi gestapo.

The book also gives a fascinating view of the complexities and dangers faced by the Vatican, embassies of neutral countries, Red Cross, allied governments operating within Rome before the liberation in June of ' I am so pleased to find out about this heroic man In the past, having been born into the Catholic faith, as to what the Papal Office may have done to help during the Holocaust.

I had no idea that so many of the clergy had secretly have put themselves in harm's way in service to mankind. In particular I am awed by the Christian example set by Father Oflarety. I recommend this heartily. Fascinating people and history This book is a fascinating true and well researched accounting of a remarkable Priest and the many others with him who risked their lives to save others in WWII Rome. For anyone interested in stories about real heroes and heroines who go above and beyond, this book is a page turner not to miss.

Aug 30, Jason Townsend rated it really liked it. I tend to agree with others who feel that while this particular book isn't such an engaging read, it's subject matter certainly is. The Catholic world needs good priestly role models and Mgsr. O'Flaherty proved just how much of an impact a good priest can have. Dec 18, Kevin rated it it was amazing. This is the story of a very brave Irish priest who, at considerable risk, assisted over6, civilians and British escaped POW's get out of Rome during the war.


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Fast paced true life adventure that will, at times, leave you breathless. Jul 09, Harleen rated it it was amazing. Well researched and a well deserved accolade to an relatively unknown and unsung hero. Thoroughly inspiring story of a priest's priest.

Non-judgemental, caring and humble. Have read better literature lately, but this story will truly stay with me awhile. Entertaining and heartwarming Terrific read!

Hugh O Flaherty Memorial Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty Biography

The Irish monsignor saved thousands of soldiers, Italians and Jewish people from the Nazis. And he did it with panache. That quickly turned to frustration. While footnotes imply the book is well researched, it reads like someone's notes roughly stitched together to form a narrative. Wasn't there a movie inspired by this book? The Scarlet and the Black with Gregory Peck After reading the book I realized that yeah, there was a book by similar title that inspired the movie, however this book a read on Kindle Very interested by the "based on a true story" concept, I started this book with eagerness.

The Scarlet and the Black with Gregory Peck After reading the book I realized that yeah, there was a book by similar title that inspired the movie, however this book appears to be written after the movie aired. The book I read The Vatican Pimpernel: May 10, Shiyas Ali rated it really liked it. The book revolves around real life incidents during the final phases of Second World War era around Rome , which was among the few places to share mixed feelings for axis and allied forces.

Finally both parties arrive. The Nazis and their cruelty to mankind particularly to Jews and how the Jews struggled to survive is the basic theme.

Hugh O'Flaherty

There isn't too many books that sheds light into the life of such unsung heroes. The author's detail of war in Rome is quite appreciable. Jun 10, Michelle rated it really liked it. Lots Fascinating little book. Lots of eyewitness accounts interspersed with the narration. Recommended for anyone who enjoys WWII biographies. I gave a 4 star because I did learn some things but I was somewhat tedious with too many dates, names and places.

The catholic church, and in particular the Pope, has been criticized for not assisting the Jews and others in need during the war.