Synod of Thurles

[2] The synod marked the beginning of a movement led by Cullen to standardise the administration, religious practices, teaching and discipline of the Catholic church in Ireland.

In advance of the synod, Cullen had been in Rome where he was appointed an Apostolic Delegate which in effect give him direct papal authority over the Catholic church in Ireland.

In particular, Cullen was opposed to local or popular religious expression and interpretation; he was determined to end such practices in Ireland.

Along with the twenty seven bishops in attendance, the abbot of Mount Melleray Abbey, Dom Bruno Fitzpatrick was entitled to vote at the synod.

The consequence was the Catholic University of Ireland established in 1851 and the invitation from the bishops to Cardinal John Henry Newman to become its chancellor and its foundation in 1854.