On February 28, 2019, Bishop Elliot Griffin Thomas, Bishop Emeritus of Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), passed away. He was affiliated to our Congregation since December 16, 2002.
Elliott Griffin Thomas was born on July 15, 1926, in Pittsburg, PA. He attended Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas, where he graduated in 1945. In 1950, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and qualified as a registered pharmacist, upon which he returned to the Virgin Islands to work as a pharmacist in St. Thomas. In 1957, Elliott converted to Catholicism. In 1982, he began his studies for the priesthood at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. In 1986, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands, and was appointed Episcopal Vicar for the diocese and pastor of Holy Family Church. Reverend Elliott Thomas became the third Bishop of the Virgin Islands on October 30, 1993, and served until June 1999. Bishop Elliott Thomas passed away at the age of 92.
A Funeral Mass for Bishop Thomas was celebrated on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Saint John Neumann Residence – Stella Maris, Timonium, Maryland. Following the Mass, the body of Bishop Thomas was flown to St. Thomas.
Bishop Thomas was lying in state on Thursday, March 7, 2019, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Vespers were said during this time. The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
May the soul of Bishop Elliott Thomas rest in the peace of Christ.