Born Bernard McCreeley on April 20, 1848 in Ireland, he came to the United States with his parents and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His family were early benefactors of the Passionist monastery there. When the lay brothers went out questing or fund-raising through the area, they were always welcome at the McCreeley home. At sixteen Bernard decided to enter the Passionist novitiate and professed his vows on July 10, 1865. His religious name was Thomas. He was a brother in many of the Passionist foundations and served as a tailor, infirmarian, and oftentimes a front door porter. In the early days of the Mexican foundation he was assigned there but had to leave when they were expelled because of the political turmoil in the country.
Birth Date:
April 20, 1848
Profession Date:
July 10, 1865
Death Date:
February 13, 1920
Religious Name:
Thomas of SS. John & Paul McCreeley