Father Thomas J. Flanagan This is Me

Education

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1. 1. www.archdiosa.org

   www.archdiosa.org/bishops/tfla - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/27/2008   Last Visited: 5/27/2008

   BISHOP THOMAS JOSEPH FLANAGAN
   
   The shield of the coat of arms of Bishop Thomas Joseph Flanagan symbolizes his family origins, his priestly vocation, and his devotion to the service of the Church and the people of God.
   
   In heraldic language, the shield reads as follows:The field party per saltire is tinctured azure (blue) and or (gold/yellow).In chief azure a dove rising ardent (silver/white) on a lily branch gold, in dexter gold a St. Brigid's cross vert (green), in sinister gold a rose gules (red) barbed vert seeded gold, in base azure a lamb ardent.
   
   In chief (top division) the blue background displays a silver dove in motion carrying a gold lily.The blue background evokes the inner peace and serenity present when the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the flying dove, is called upon to guide, direct and empower Bishop Flanagan in his service to the people.
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   The blue background is for peace and unity, qualities that Bishop Flanagan brings with his commitment to ecumenism.

2. 2. satodayscatholic.org

   www.satodayscatholic.com/Archi - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/25/2004   Last Visited: 3/22/2008

   Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Flanagan said it was a joyful occasion to see the Holy Father doing so well.He recalled, "The pope was very alert and open to what we had to say to him."Bishop Flanagan said he shared with the pontiff about the work of the charismatics in the archdiocese, Life in the Spirit seminars, the diaconate program and ACTS."I find the visits to the dicasteries to be an affirmation of the local church," hesaid. "They are uplifting and encouraging."

3. 3. Bishop Flanagan Jubilee Mass

   www.satodayscatholic.com/Archi - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/7/2006   Last Visited: 3/22/2008

   Archbishop José H. Gomez presents retired Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Flanagan with a plaque commemorating his golden jubilee at a special Mass celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Antonio on June 7.
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   SAN ANTONIO , Retired Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Flanagan marked the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with celebrations at two of the parishes where he served in his long ministry as a priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.Archbishop José H. Gomez presided and gave the homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Vincent de Paul Church on June 7, and Bishop Flanagan was later joined by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI of the Diocese of San Angelo at a Mass of Thanksgiving held at St. Brigid Church on June 11, which also featured matachines dancers.
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   Bishop Flanagan was ordained a priest for service in the archdiocese on June 10, 1956 in his home country of Ireland and ordained an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese by Archbishop Patrick F. Flores on Feb. 16, 1998 at San Antonio Municipal Auditorium.
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   Bishop Flanagan is well known for his work in the interfaith community, serving as the President of the San Antonio Community of Churches in 1991 and appointed by Archbishop Flores to the steering committee of the Billy Graham Crusade in 1997.
   
   Since his ordination as a priest Bishop Flanagan served in eight parishes.During his eight years as a bishop, he has served as director and associate liaison of the Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal, spiritual advisor of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, chairman of the Board of Assumption Seminary, director of Personnel Services, and the chapter chaplain of the Knights of Columbus of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, who played prominent roles in both celebration liturgies.
   
   Bishop Flanagan was born on Oct. 23, 1930, in Rathmore, County Kildare, Ireland.He is the oldest of eight children.
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   "On June 10, 1956, at 26 years of age, Thomas Flanagan was ordained a priest.
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   That is exactly what Bishop Flanagan has done throughout his life," he said."Our vocation is not a call to selfishness.It is a call to give ourselves to others."
   
   He concluded, "Priests are called to build up the people of God as co-workers of the bishop.Eight years ago Msgr.Flanagan was called to the fullness of the priesthood.Pray for the bishops and priests to give themselves ever more willingly to the Lord."
   
   In his concluding comments, Bishop Flanagan offered his gratitude to a myriad of people in attendance at the liturgy, such as his brother bishops, his family from Ireland and those taking part in the Mass. However, he saved special words of praise for his fellow clerics.
   
   "I thank my brother priests.I thank those that have traveled these 50 years with me, and those that have joined along the way," he said.