Thomas Charles O'Reilly
Thomas Charles O'Reilly (February 22, 1873 – March 25, 1938) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Scranton in Pennsylvania from 1928 to 1938.
Thomas Charles O'Reilly | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Scranton | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| See | Diocese of Scranton |
| Installed | December 16, 1927 |
| Term ended | March 25, 1938 |
| Predecessor | Michael John Hoban |
| Successor | William Joseph Hafey |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 4, 1898 by Francesco di Paola Cassetta |
| Consecration | February 16, 1928 by Dennis Joseph Dougherty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 22, 1873 Cleveland, Ohio, US |
| Died | March 25, 1938 (aged 65) Miami Beach, Florida, US |
| Education | Pontifical North American College Propaganda University University of Notre Dame |
Biography edit
Early life edit
O'Reilly was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Patrick and Delia (née Readdy) O'Reilly.[1] After attending Spencerian Business College (1887-1888), he studied at St. Ignatius College (1889-1893) and St. Mary's Seminary (1893-1894) in Cleveland. He then furthered his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.[2]
Priesthood edit
O'Reilly was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Cleveland by Cardinal Francesco di Paola Cassetta on June 4, 1898.[3] In 1899, he earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Propaganda University in Rome
Upon returning to Ohio, O'Reilly served as a curate at St. John's Cathedral until 1901, when he became professor of dogmatic theology at St. Mary's Seminary. He earned a Doctor of Laws in 1909 from the University of Notre Dame. He was chancellor (1909-1916) and vicar general (1916-1921) of the diocese before serving as pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.[2]
Bishop of Scranton edit
On December 16, 1927, O'Reilly was appointed the third Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, by Pope Pius XI.[3][4] He received his episcopal consecration on February 16, 1928 from Cardinal Dennis Joseph Dougherty, with Bishops Joseph Schrembs and Bernard Joseph Mahoney serving as co-consecrators.[3] During his tenure, he established seven parishes and fourteen schools in the diocese, despite the economic ravages of the Great Depression.[5]
However, the increased burden of responsibility took its toll on his health, and his tenure was correspondingly shortened.[clarification needed][5] O'Reilly later died in Miami Beach, Florida, aged 65.[2][4]
References edit
- ^ The Catholic Encyclopedia and its Makers. The Encyclopedia Press. 1917. p. 130. Retrieved September 25, 2021 – via archive.org.
- ^ a b c "Who was Bishop O'Reilly?". Bishop O'Reilly High School.
- ^ a b c "Bishop Thomas Charles O'Reilly". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.[self-published source]
- ^ a b "Bishop O'Reilly Dies Suddenly; Rites Thursday". The Evening Times. Miami Beach, Florida. UP. March 26, 1938. pp. 1, 5. Retrieved September 25, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b . Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2009.