FATHER PHILLIPS TO BE BURIED TODAY
Requiem Mass To Be Held at St. Raphael’s Church, Where Priest Was Pastor Many Years.
Rev. Father Phillips, pastor of San Raphael parish, is dead, and a heavy shadow of sorrow is cast over the entire diocese for he was dearly beloved by the many thousands of people whom he met during the past 40 years. Many of the pioneer miners can look back to the early days in Tuolumne county when he braved the rigorous climate and dangerous roads to attend the sick and they now join in sorrow over his death. He was liked and highly respected by members of all denominations for he was a true Christian, always ready to attend the sick and comfort the afflicted.
His body was brought over San Francisco Thursday afternoon and placed in the church to remain there until after the funeral services were held. The front of the church was draped in mourning, thousands of people entered the church to pray for the soul of one whom they dearly beloved.
The funeral of Rev. Father Thomas Phillips, pastor of St. Raphael’s church, San Rafael, who died in St. Mary’s Hospital, San Francisco, Wednesday night, was held from St. Raphael’s church, San Rafael, at 10:30 this Saturday morning.
Father Phillips had been ill but three weeks and news of his death came as a severe shock to his many local friends. Death resulted from heart trouble.
The late priest was educated in All Hallows College, Dublin, and was a classmate and lifelong friend of Fathers D.O. Crowley, Caraher, Sullivan, O’Connell and Casey, all of San Francisco. He was formerly pastor of St. Francis’ Church, San Francisco.
Father Phillips was born in Coleman, Tipperary county, Ireland, and was 65 years of age. He came to San Francisco in 1872. During his residence in California he occupied pulpits in Tuolumne Co., Suisun and Berkeley before coming to San Raphael 14 years ago.
A full requiem high mass was celebrated at the funeral which was attended by Archbishop Riordan and many priests of this diocese.
Rev. Fathers Casey, Caraher, Crowley, Sullivan and Nugent will officiate at the services.
Source: Sausalito News, Sausalito, Marin Co., California, Saturday, January 11. 1913; Pg. 1
