Died 1938, Miami Beach, Florida, United States | ||
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, Pennsylvania from 1928 to 1938.
Biography
O'Reilly was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Patrick and Delia (née Readdy) O'Reilly. 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. He was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Francesco di Paola Cassetta on June 4, 1898. In 1899 he earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Propaganda University.
Upon returning to Ohio, he 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 of Cleveland before serving as pastor of the Church of St. John the Evangelist.
On December 19, 1927, O'Reilly was appointed the third Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, by Pope Pius XI. 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. During his tenure, he established seven parishes and fourteen schools in the diocese, despite the economic ravages of the Great Depression.
However, the increased burden of responsibility took its toll on his health, and his tenure was correspondingly shortened. O'Reilly later died in Miami Beach, Florida, aged 65.