Connolly, Thomas Louis, Dd

Connolly, Thomas Louis, D.D.

a Roman Catholic dignitary, was born at Cork, Ireland. He joined the Capuchins, and in his eighteenth year went to Rome to prepare himself for holy orders, remaining there six years. He was ordained in Lyons in 1838. Returning to Ireland the following year, he labored in Dublin for three years. In 1842 he accompanied archbishop Walsh to Halifax, N.S. as secretary. In 1845 he was appointed vicar-general of that diocese. In 1851 Pius IX appointed him bishop of St. John, N.B., as successor of bishop Dollard. After administering this diocese for seven years, Dr. Connolly was, on the death of archbishop Walsh, in 1859, transferred to the archiepiscopal see of Halifax, N.S., which he filled for seventeen years. He was admirably fitted for this position. Of an imposing presence, he possessed a powerful eloquence, great energy, Sincere and unaffected piety, and magnanimous and broad views. He became loved for innumerable acts of kindness to the poor and unfortunate, and his death, on July 27, 1876, in his sixty-third year, was regretted by all denominations. He was succeeded by Dr. Hannan, who died in 1882. See (N.Y.) Cath. Almanac, 1877, page 73.