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.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend

Thomas Charles O'Reilly
Bishop of Scranton
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
SeeDiocese of Scranton
InstalledDecember 16, 1927
Term endedMarch 25, 1938
PredecessorMichael John Hoban
SuccessorWilliam Joseph Hafey
Orders
OrdinationJune 4, 1898
by Francesco di Paola Cassetta
ConsecrationFebruary 16, 1928
by Dennis Joseph Dougherty
Personal details
Born(1873-02-22)February 22, 1873
Cleveland, Ohio, US
DiedMarch 25, 1938(1938-03-25) (aged 65)
Miami Beach, Florida, US
EducationPontifical North American College
Propaganda University
University of Notre Dame

Biography

Early life

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

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

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.[5] O'Reilly later died in Miami Beach, Florida, aged 65.[2][4]

References
  1. The Catholic Encyclopedia and its Makers. The Encyclopedia Press. 1917. p. 130. Retrieved September 25, 2021 – via archive.org.
  2. "Who was Bishop O'Reilly?". Bishop O'Reilly High School.
  3. "Bishop Thomas Charles O'Reilly". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
  4. "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.
  5. "Bishop Thomas C. O'Reilly: 1928-1937". Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
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