FRENCH
Monsignor Thomas Aquinas French died on June 17, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Co. Cork, Ireland, on June 18, 1924, to Sean and Ethel Paul French. He completed his theological studies at All Hallows Seminary, Dublin, Ireland, where he obtained the Licentiate degree in Sacred Theology and was ordained to the Priesthood on June 19, 1949. He came to San Antonio, Texas, shortly after his ordination and was assigned to pastoral work at St. Mary Magdalen Parish. In 1951 he graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a graduate degree in Philosophy. In 1952, he joined the Religious Studies faculty at Incarnate Word College (now University of the Incarnate Word) where, as a professor of Theology for 42 years, he advanced in rank and prestige. He has remarked that "The best way to learn is to teach realizing your insights come from above." Monsignor French proved to be an outstanding teacher of Religion and Philosophy at the University of the Incarnate Word. His classes, discussions and personal guidance have enriched the lives of many of the Incarnate Word Sisters and students. He became a spiritual counselor for generations of alumni, establishing links with former students that have continued well beyond graduation. The words of Christ "Love one another as I have loved you" became a fundamental guide for his own life as well as a favorite theme in his preaching and teaching. In 1989, The Board of Trustees of the University of the Incarnate Word recognized the contributions made by Monsignor Thomas A. French to the University and honored him in the establishment of the Monsignor Thomas A. French Professional Chair in Religious Studies. This Professional Chair is permanent and enduring, and the words: "outstanding service and exemplary teaching" describe the quality of his service and the enduring record to his memory. In 1994, the Faculty Association of the University of the Incarnate Word unanimously approved the awarding of an Honorary Doctor of Spirituality to Monsignor Thomas A. French. In addition to his teaching duties, Monsignor French served as the full-time chaplain to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word at their Motherhouse since 1950, and later continued his priestly ministry to the Sisters and residents in the Villa at The Village at Incarnate Word. Over the years Monsignor instructed and counseled multiple classes of novices and aspirants to religious life. Many Sisters testify to his total dedication and service and particularly his gentle and generous ministry to the sick and terminally ill. On the Archdiocesan level, Monsignor French was appointed Vicar for Women Religious by Archbishop Francis J. Furey in 1973. As Vicar, he reached out to all religious in the Archdiocese with help or counseling, communicated through bi-monthly newsletters and represented their interests at national and international meetings. He also served on the marriage Tribunal of the Catholic Chancery in San Antonio and was Director of the Sodality of Our Lady, a popular religious and social organization during the 1950's and '60's. Moreover, Monsignor is credited for doing important research for many of the departments housed in the Chancery Office. The City of San Antonio also benefited from Monsignor's generosity. He served as Chaplain to the San Antonio Police Department from 1953 to 1957. Monsignor French had a lifetime reputation as an outstanding homilist and was very much in demand for jubilee celebrations, ordinations, and funerals. Despite his busy days and extended ministries, he found time for scholarly research, keeping his classes and the Sisters informed of current movements in the Church. He carefully studied and promoted a deep understanding of the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the subsequent materials issued from the Holy See and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Monsignor Thomas A. French was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Harriet and brothers Liam and Sean. He is survived by his sister-in-law Pat and family, by his numerous nieces and nephews and their families in Ireland, Scotland, Greece, the United States and Australia and by his American cousins, Philomena Ridgway O'Connell and her husband Bill, and Bill Ridgway and their families. Evening Prayer: Office for the Dead will be celebrated Thursday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, 4707 Broadway. Mass of Christian Burial will be the next day, Friday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in the cemetery of Incarnate Word Convent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The Village at Incarnate Word or to the University of the Incarnate Word. Condolences may be sent to Monsignor French's family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com Arrangements by:
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