Archief - Bishop Thomas Joseph Power fonds

Thomas Joseph Power (1830-1893), Catholic bishop, was born in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, on 10 December 1830. He died in St. John's on 4 December 1893.

Power left New Ross in 1843 to study philosophy and theology at Carlow College, Dublin (1843-47). After his graduation, he completed a Master of Arts degree at London University and studied for the priesthood at The Irish College, Rome. Following completion of his studies in 1854, he was ordained a priest in Rome by Archbishop Cullen. Shortly afterwards Rev. Power was assigned to the Dublin Mission (1854-59) and soon rose to the front rank of the Dublin clergy. From 1859-70, he was President of Holy Cross College, Clonliffe. He was named a Canon of the Archdiocese of Dublin in 1863.

On 12 June 1870, Rev. Power was consecrated Bishop of St. John's in Rome, by Cardinal Cullen in the Chapel of the Irish College. He arrived in St. John's on 9 September 1870. During his episcopate he took a leading part in the activities of the Benevolent Irish Society (BIS). Bishop Power introduced the Christian Brothers into Newfoundland and expanded the work of the Mercy and the Presentation sisters to parishes outside St. John's. As well, he oversaw the construction of St. Patrick's Church, Mount St. Francis Monastery, St. Michael's Convent at Belvedere, and a church at Kilbride. He officially opened St. Bride's Academy, Littledale in 1884. Following his death, he was succeeded by Michael Francis Howley.