Father Timothy McDermott, C.P., St. Paul of the Cross Province (1897-1963)

Born Thomas McDermott on July 29, 1897 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was educated on the Southside and at Duquesne University where he graduated in 1916 with a BA. He went to St. Vincent’s Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania to study for the diocesan priesthood. After two years there he decided to enter the Passionists and in 1918 went to the Passionist monastery in Pittsburgh. He professed his vows on August 12, 1919. His religious name was Timothy. Having completed two years of theology, he was sent to Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was ordained on June 27, 1921 and a few months later was on his way as a member of the first Passionists sent to Hunan, China. He served there twenty years. In 1941 he returned due to health reasons and in 1942 was appointed superior of the Passionist house of studies, Hyattsville, Maryland. He then became a field representative for Sign Magazine and preacher for week-end lay retreats in the monasteries at Pittsburgh, West Hartford, Connecticut and Jamaica, New York. He also gave retreats to religious. His last assignment was as a member of the Pittsburgh community.