Thomas Augustine Hendrick

First American and the twenty-second Bishop of Cebú, Philippine Islands, b. at Penn Yan, New York, U.S.A. 29 Oct., 1849; d. at Cebú, 29 Nov., 1909. He was ordained priest at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Troy, New York, 7 June, 1873, and spent the twenty-nine subsequent years in parish work in the Diocese of Rochester. When the reorganization of the Church in the Philippines was undertaken after the Spanish American War, he was appointed Bishop of Cebú, and consecrated in Rome 23 August, 1903. Taking possession of the see 6 March, 1904, he was most successful up to the time of his death, which was due to cholera, in restoring order and discipline and providing for the spiritual needs of his large diocese. During his pastorate in Rochester he was prominent and active in public and charitable work, and served for several years as a member of the Board of Regents of the State University. (See DIOCESE OF CEBÚ.)