Reverend Thomas Patrick O'Rourke, C.S.B.

Born in Lorena, Texas, May 22, 1889.

High School Diploma: St. Basil's College, Waco; Graduate of Assumption College, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 1911.

Joined Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) 1912; Ordained June 29, 1916, Toronto; First native Texan to be ordained a Basilian.

Assigned to St. Thomas High School; spent summers at Columbia University.

Graduate studies Catholic University of America, Washington, 1924 - 1927.

Received Ph. D. on thesis "The Franciscian Mission in Texas, 1690 - 1793."

Returned to St. Thomas as Principal and Superior.

Purchased site of present St. Thomas High School, 1928.

Appointed to assumption College, Windsor, 1931.

Pastor of St. Anne's Church, Houston, Texas, 1932.

Received Honarary LLD from St. Edwards' University 1934. Appointed to St. Annes', Detroit, 1942; Returned to St. Thomas to work on war labor relations board, 1943.

Failing health took him to Rosenberg; Returned to St. Thomas 1948.

Suffered heart attack 1953; died March 21, 1955.

Inducted posthumously into Hall of Honor, February 12, 1976.