Thomas Flanagan (bishop)


Thomas Joseph Flanagan was an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Antonio in the United States. He was born in Carbury, County Kildare, Ireland and died in San Antonio.

Early life and education

Thomas Flanagan was the oldest of eight children born to Patrick and Mary McNamara Flanagan. He studied at St. Patrick's College, Thurles, and was ordained a priest on June 10, 1956 for the Diocese of San Antonio. Flanagan served in eight parishes and also as spiritual advisor of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Chairman of the Board of the archdiocese's Assumption Seminary, as well as diocesan chapter chaplain for its Knights of Columbus. Following further study he was awarded a Masters of Divinity from the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio in 1979.

Episcopal career

On January 5, 1998 he was appointed Titular Bishop for Bavagaliana and Auxiliary Bishop for his home diocese by Pope John Paul II. Flanagan was consecrated a bishop on February 16, 1998. His Principal Consecrator was Archbishop Patrick Flores. Flanagan's principal co-consecrators were Bishop Edmond Carmody, and Bishop John McCarthy.
Flanagan retired on December 15, 2005 at the age of 75.
Bishop Flanagan died in San Antonio on October 9, 2019.

Episcopal succession