Thomas Charles O'Reilly

DioceseScrantonInstalledDecember 16, 1927Term endedMarch 25, 1938PredecessorMichael John HobanSuccessorWilliam Joseph HafeyOrdersOrdinationJune 4, 1898
by Francesco di Paola CassettaConsecrationFebruary 16, 1928
by Dennis Joseph Dougherty with Joseph Schrembs and Bernard Joseph Mahoney (co-consecrators)Personal detailsBorn(1873-02-22)February 22, 1873
DiedMarch 25, 1938(1938-03-25) (aged 65)
Miami Beach, Florida, USEducation

Thomas Charles O'Reilly (February 22, 1873 – March 25, 1938) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Latin Diocese of Scranton in Pennsylvania from 1928 to 1938.

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.^[1] 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.^{[clarification needed][5]} O'Reilly later died in Miami Beach, Florida, aged 65.^[2][4]

See also

References

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Michael John Hoban	Bishop of Scranton 1928–1938	Succeeded by William Joseph Hafey