From the desk of the Tar Heel disciple:
September 23, 2026 (#133)
The Servant of God Father Thomas F. Price
“The Tar Heel Apostle”
Part IV
During a spiritual retreat at Belmont Abbey (NC) in August 1908, Father Price resolved to write a letter to the Blessed Virgin Mary every night of his life. With few exceptions, he did so until September 6, 1919, six days before his death in Hong Kong. This “diary,” in the form of 3,087 extant letters Is now located at the archives of the Maryknoll Priests (New York). They provide an intimate perspective of the spiritual life of this servant of God.
From these (unpublished) letters, we learn many details about the prayer life of Father Price and of what might best be understood as the “mystical marriage” of this man with Mary, the Mother of God, and St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879), the young visionary of Lourdes. The deep spiritual union that Price experienced with both Mary and Bernadette blossomed after his two visits to Lourdes, France, during the summer of 1911, (both before and after his pilgrimage to Rome with Fr. James A. Walsh during which they sought and obtained the approval of the Holy See to found an American society of priests and brothers for service in the foreign missions--Maryknoll). Already very devoted to the Virgin Mary, Father Price believed that during his time at Lourdes the Virgin Mary clearly indicated that Bernadette was to be for him a unique spiritual guide. The purpose of this mentorship was, of course, intended to bring him into closer union with Jesus the Lord.
There were many manifestations of this unique relationship with Jesus, Mary, and Bernadette during the final eight years of his life. He believed the message of the Blessed Virgin to Bernadette at Lourdes (1858), to pray and sacrifice for the conversion of sinners, was in essence a missionary message, one which he was called to live out in his own life and to propagate to others. He soon asked friends to call him “Father Mary Bernadette,” which some found difficult and others refused to do. He shared the story of Bernadette, who had not yet been beatified or canonized by the time of his death, with whomever he could. And he began to wear a wedding ring symbolizing the “mystical marriage” with Mary and the young visionary. He also made arrangements so that after his death, his heart would be brought to France to be buried near his “spouse.” There it rests today, in Nevers, only a few feet away from the mortal remains of Saint Bernadette.
Father Price's devotion to the Mother of God and to Saint Bernadette became legendary. His spiritual journey was unusual, as is the spiritual journey of many holy men and women.
He himself was surprised by it, suffered the misunderstandings of others because of it, and strived to live it faithfully.
The faithful are encouraged to pray for his intercession:
HEAVENLY FATHER, you so inspired Father Thomas Frederick Price with love for you and zeal for the Gospel that he dedicated his life to serve you and Your Church, first in North Carolina, his home state, and then in the foreign missions.
Grant that by his example we may grow in holiness and into a deeper union with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel and proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the Diocese of Raleigh and to all the people and in all the places we are sent to love and serve.
If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Father Thomas Frederick Price, by granting the favor I (we) now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request here) I (we) make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
