Rev Thomas O'Mara SJ
Title:
Rev
First Name:
Thomas
Middle Names:
Joseph
Preferred Name:
Surname:
O'Mara
Order:
SJ
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Adelaide SA
Country of Birth:
Australia
Date of Ordination:
Place of Ordination:
Country of Ordination:
Ordination Diocese:
Seminary:
Date of Death:
Place of Death:
Sydney NSW
Country of Death:
Australia
Date of Burial:
Place of Burial:
Gore Hill NSW
Country of Burial:
Australia
Find A Grave URL:
Biographical Notes
Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
O'Mara, Thomas
Teacher and pastor; born Adelaide, 11 September 1882; died Sydney, 24 February 1933, aged 50.
Thomas O'Mara, brother of Richard, came from a well-known Adelaide family, prominent in business, which gave 'Ellangowan' to the Society. A window in the chapel at Riverview is a memorial to him. O'Mara was educated at Xavier College and came to Riverview in 1896, entering the Society, 7 September 1904, at Tullamore. Having completed his noviciate and juniorate studies, O'Mara studied philosophy at Gemert, Holland.
He returned to Australia for regency at Riverview, 1910-15, where he was editor of Our Alma Mater, and a division prefect. He returned to Ireland and Milltown Park for theology studies in 1915. He was ordained priest in 1918. Tertianship followed at Tullamore, 1919-20.
His first appointment back in Australia was to Xavier College where he was hall prefect, choirmaster, and minister, and involved with debating. He taught later at St Patrick's College, 1930-31, and was appointed headmaster of Burke Hall, 1931-32. He spent a few years, 1928-30, in the parish of Hawthorn. However, his health began to decline and he went to Sydney, dying soon after his arrival.
O'Mara is remembered as a happy religious. His cheerfulness was characteristic of his life. His students remembered him for his kindness and helpfulness, which made him very approachable and encouraging.
(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)