He’s known officially as a “Servant of God.” That title is the first step in the Catholic Church’s canonization process. The path to sainthood is a slow, but meaningful journey that many in the diocese feel a closeness to when it comes to Father Thomas Frederick Price.
He lived from 1860 until 1919, and his legacy is one of a deep commitment to faith combined with tangible service to his community.
Born in North Carolina, he was the state’s first native Catholic priest, earning the nickname “Tar Heel Apostle” for his efforts to spread Catholicism in a region where it was scarce. His work in Raleigh included serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and founding the Nazareth Orphanage on land where Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral currently stands.
He later took his mission global by co-founding Maryknoll with Father James Walsh and sending Catholic missionaries to Asia, Africa and Latin America. It’s a legacy that endures today.
In 2018 he was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame as a centennial inductee, which reflected his foundational role in the city’s history. Inside Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, a rose, or circular, window on the north transept honors both Father Price and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The diocesan phase of Father Price’s cause for beatification and canonization was officially opened on March 9, 2012. This phase concluded July 5, 2018, when the collected materials — historical records, testimonies, and examinations of his writings — were sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome for further review.
The dicastery will be reviewing his life for signs of heroic virtue. If it’s determined that Father Price lived a life of "heroic virtue,” he would then be declared "Venerable." For beatification, a miracle attributed to his intercession must be investigated and authenticated, leading to a decree recognizing the miracle. Father Price’s cause is likely still in the Roman phase, where the dicastery is reviewing his life, virtues and reputation for holiness. This stage can take years, and unless and until a specific decree is published, his status remains "Servant of God."
Those who are inspired by Father Price are encouraged to share the story of his life and to pray for his intercession. The diocese has approved the following prayer for this purpose and asks that any favors granted be reported to the Office of the Vicar General.
Did You Know
The rose (circular) window on the left (north) transept of the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral honors both the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Servant of God, Father Thomas F. Price.
Brochure on the Rose Window, with prayer (PDF)
Father Thomas F. Price prayer card (PDF)
Prayers for the intercession of Servant of God Father Thomas F. Price
HEAVENLY FATHER, you so inspired Father Thomas Frederick Price with lovefor you and zeal for the Gospel that he dedicated his life to serve you and Your Church, fi rst in North Carolina, his home state, and then in the foreign missions.
Grant that by his example we may grow in holiness and into a deeper union with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel and proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the Diocese of Raleigh and to all the people and in all the places we are sent to love and serve.
If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Father Thomas Frederick Price, by granting the favor I (we) now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request here) I (we) make this prayer confi dently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen