From the desk of the Tar Heel disciple:
September 7, 2026 (#130)
The Servant of God Father Thomas F. Price
“The Tar Heel Apostle”
Part I
Thomas Frederick Price was born in Wilmington, NC, on August 19, 1860. He died a missionary priest in Hong Kong on September 12, 1919. For his numerous admirers over the years, he has affectionately been known as the “Tar Heel Apostle.” Now he can also officially be called the “Servant of God,” a title given by the Catholic Church to those for whom a cause for beatification and canonization has been opened. The canonical tribunal for the diocesan phase of such a cause was opened, with the permission of the Holy See, in Raleigh, NC, on March 9, 2012. The work of that tribunal was officially concluded on July 11, 2018, during vespers celebrated at the new cathedral in Raleigh. The documents, which included the work of the theological and historical commissions established for the purpose of reviewing the life and writings of Father Price, were sealed at that time and forwarded to the appropriate office at the Vatican, namely, the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints.
The usual next steps in the process that might lead to canonization include a review of all the documents sent by the diocesan tribunal, followed by the writing of an official biography (called the “depositio”) of the Servant of God for presentation to the members of the dicastery. (The dicastery consists of cardinals, bishops, and expert theologians and historians appointed by the pope). If they judge that the evidence demonstrates that the individual exhibited heroic virtue in his life, the cause might be presented to the pope for his consideration. If then the Holy Father confirms the judgment of the members of the dicastery that the Servant of God did demonstrate such a level of virtue, that is, heroic, he could declare the Servant of God be designated as “Venerable.” Such a process can be accomplished in a few years but it also might last centuries. There is no guarantee that a Servant of God would ever be named Venerable.
Once declared Venerable, the Church waits for the testimony of the faithful who would be praying to the Servant of God/Venerable for favors and miracles. In our day, most of the miracles reported are medical in nature. If a miracle resulting from the intercession of the Servant of God/venerable is reported, it is also carefully examined by theologians and other experts appropriate to the case. In the case of medical miracles, doctors are consulted. After examining the evidence, the same dicastery could then officially recognize a miracle through the intercession of the Servant of God/Venerable and submit the same for the judgment of the pope. If he recognizes the miracle, he could then pronounce the beatification of the individual, who from then would be called by the title, “Blessed.” A second miracle, following the same process, is usually required for the individual to be canonized, and thus declared a saint of the Church. (In the legislation related to such matters established by Pope St. John Paul II, the recognition of martyrdom by the pope eliminates the requirement of miracles.)
The following blog entries will attempt to explore the virtuous life of the Servant of God Father Thomas F. Price. In the meantime, 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
