Born Thomas Francis O’Rourke on December 23, 1880 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Thomas and Mary Hansen O’Rourke. His brother was Passionist Father Hilarion O’Rourke, C.P. Thomas attended Temple University, Philadelphia. He then went to the Passionist Preparatory Seminary, St. Mary’s, Dunkirk, New York on May 7, 1896. He later professed his vows on September 20, 1898 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was ordained on June 30, 1906 in the Scranton, Pennsylvania Cathedral. He was vice-master of novices; preacher of parish missions; vicar at St. Gabriel’s, Brighton, Massachusetts; vicar general to Bishop Paul J. Nussbaum, C.P. at Corpus Christi, Texas; pastor of St. Michael’s Church, Union City, New Jersey; and superior of the Passionist community, Toronto, Canada. He went to Pittsburgh and then his last years were as a member of the Brighton community. He died of a pulmonary condition.
Birth Date:
December 23, 1880
Profession Date:
September 20, 1898
Ordination Date:
June 30, 1906
Death Date:
May 31, 1969
Religious Name:
Damian of the Sorrowful Virgin O'Rourke