Newly Ordained: Fr. Thomas White, LC

Fr. Thomas White, LC, was ordained to the priesthood on April 29th, 2023, in Rome Italy at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, LC, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the Vatican City Governorate. 

During his homily, Cardinal Vergez, LC, reminded the candidates to be instruments of His divine mercy, and to be accompanied by the presence of the Virgin Mary throughout their life.  

The following day, April 30th, 2023, at 10:00 am Rome time, Fr. Thomas celebrated his first mass at the International College of the Legionaries Chapel. When asked “how do you feel?” Fr. Thomas replied, “how do you sum up 18 years?” After spending time in prayer, Fr. Thomas was able to convey his emotions into 5 thoughts: Trust, Unworthiness, Joy, Pope Francis’s motto for the papacy- “by having mercy, by choosing Him,” and gratitude. He spoke of the Gospel reflecting on God being the good shepherd, “He has chosen me, to be a reflection of that Good Shepherd.” 

When asked his thoughts on his son being a Legionary of Christ, Bill White replied, “He has been living the legionary life ever since, now he can be in persona Christi fully, and it is wonderful.” 

North American Territorial Director, Fr. Shawn Aaron, LC, expressed the immense feeling of joy that was overwhelmingly demonstrated in Fr. Thomas’ first mass, “you could feel the emotion throughout the mass, it was the type of emotion of someone who is overwhelmed with gratitude.” 

Fr. Thomas has returned to the United States and will continue as Dean of Formation at Oaklawn Academy in Edgerton, WI. 

For photos of the 2023 Priestly Ordination, please click here. 

To rewatch the 2023 Livestream Ordination, please click here.