William Higgins Diploma

Collection — Box: GTM Shared Box 40, Folder: 21

Identifier: GTM-0078

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Scope and Contents

This collection contains a bound Doctorate of Divinity diploma on vellum issued to William Higgins in 1824 from the Sancta Sede Apostolica Theologorum Collegio (Holy See Apostolic College of Theologians).

Dates

Creation: 1824

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Biographical Note

William Higgins (1794-1853), later O'Higgins, was born in Barragh Beg, Drumlish, County Longford, Ireland, and attended school in Longford and Leitrim. In 1812 he went to Paris to study for the priesthood at Picpus Seminary and in 1815 he assisted in the reopining of the Irish College there. After being ordained in 1817 and graduating from the Sorbonne with an MA, he was the Chair of English and Professor of Theology at the aforementioned Irish College. Next he taught at the University of Vienna before studying in Rome where he received his Doctorate of Divinity in 1824. Returning to Ireland, Higgins was Chair of Dogmatic Theology at Maynooth College and was elevated to the position of Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise in 1829. Higgins held that position until his death in Ballymahon in 1853.