It’s Official! A major step was taken by Bishop Burbidge on 4/22/24. Our bishop signed two documents which officially launches the process of Tom Vander Woulde’s cause for sainthood. The documents:
- Established the Catholic Diocese of Arlington as the Petitioner for the Thomas S. Vander Woude Cause for Canonization.
- Appointed Dr. Waldery Hilgeman as the Postulator of the Thomas S. Vander Woude Cause for Canonization.
Bishop Burbidge is very supportive of Mr. Vander Woude’s Cause. Both he and our Vicar General, Fr. Workman, understand the importance of ensuring the process goes well and that the “Norms” established by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints (see the “About” menu of the tvwguild.org website) are explicitly followed. This will save both time and money in the long run so that various aspects of the process and/or documentation will not have to be redone or “cured”.
Currently Bishop Burbidge has asked the diocesan financial staff to establish the appropriate budgets for his approval and set up the proper accounting so that contract arrangements with Dr. Hilgeman can be finalized.
Our diocese has the opportunity to have a saint declared from within our midst. Many people in the diocese knew Tom well, respected him, and were good friends with him and his family. Many of those have wonderful stories of his Christian faith; his virtue; his humility; his mentorship; and his service to county, church, community, and family. Whether it be a sentence, a paragraph, or several pages, please send these stories to our email.
Our Sincere blessings to you all,
Keith Henderson,
Board Chairman
