Thomas Martin Aloysius Burke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Martin Aloysius Burke
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| Born | January 10, 1840 Swinford, Ireland
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| Died | January 20, 1915 (aged 75) Albany, New York
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| Occupation | Clergyman |
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Thomas Martin Aloysius Burke (born January 10, 1840, died January 20, 1915) was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He was born in Ireland and later became a bishop in the United States. From 1894 until he passed away in 1915, he was the Bishop of Albany.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Burke was born in Swinford, a town in County Mayo, Ireland. When he was about 10 years old, in 1850, he moved to the United States with his father. His family settled in Utica, New York.
Schooling and Studies
Thomas started his education with the Christian Brothers in Utica. Later, he went to St. Michael's College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
In 1856, he continued his studies at St. Charles College in Ellicott City, Maryland. There, he became good friends with a classmate named James Gibbons. Thomas then studied to become a priest at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.
Becoming a Priest and Leader
Thomas Burke became a priest on June 30, 1864. After this, he worked as a curate (a helper priest) at St. John's Church in Albany.
Serving in Albany
In 1865, he took over from John J. Conroy as the pastor (main priest) of St. Joseph's Church in Albany. He was a leader there for many years. In 1887, he became a vicar general for Bishop Francis McNierney. A vicar general is a high-ranking assistant to a bishop.
In 1890, he was given a special honor. He was named a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. This is a special title given by the Catholic Church.
Bishop of Albany
On May 15, 1894, Pope Leo XIII chose Thomas Burke to be the fourth Bishop of Albany. This was a very important role.
Consecration and Achievements
He officially became a bishop on July 1, 1894. This special ceremony is called an consecration. It took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.
As bishop, Thomas Burke did many good things. He made the Boys' Asylum in Albany larger. This was a home for boys who needed help. He also worked to lower the money owed by the diocese (the church area he was in charge of). He also made improvements to the cathedral building.
Bishop Burke passed away in Albany on January 20, 1915, when he was 75 years old.
