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* Q3: To what extent and to what effect did Paul Cullen bring about the ‘Cullenisation’ of Irish society?

The term ‘Cullenisation’ can be defined as the way in which Cardinal Paul Cullen shaped the groups of Irish bishops , that he had at his disposal after being appointed Archbishop of Armagh in 1849, in order to create a catholic clergy within Ireland that was strong enough to bring about great change. This change can be viewed in terms of serving the Papacy in Rome and also in terms of educational, political and religious amendments within Irish society. Cullen’s arrival to Ireland from Rome in 1850 meant that he became subjected to a post- famine Ireland that had lost its sense of identity and this fragmentation and disillusionment was evident within all aspects of Irish Society. His Ultramontanist approach meant that his primary objective was to implement his strong Roman values and influence people to move in a way in which they could better themselves and their country. This essay aims to examine how Cullen went about highlighting the major social, political and religious issues in Ireland very effectively. It will also look how he went about tackling these grave issues and his major breakthroughs in relation to establishing systems, orders and also equipping Ireland with a greater sense of cultural identity that is still very prevalent within modern day Irish society.

It is first important to examine Cullen’s early life in order to gain a further insight into what shaped his ideas and objectives. He was born in 1803 and when he was sent to boarding school in Carlow as a young teenager and it was while in attendance at Carlow College that his talents were initially recognised by staff members at the institute. His family sent him to Rome to study in 1821 and he became student in the Propaganda College. Cullen soon fell in love with the city and was intrigued by its political and intellectual events and opportunities. It is evident that Cullen had a...