Virginia Diocese Moves Forward with Catholic Father’s Sainthood Cause

5:14 PM ETDeveloping

Faith Desk

In Short: The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, has initiated the process to investigate the potential sainthood of Tom Vander Woude, a father who died saving his son.

The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is moving forward with the investigation of Tom Vander Woude's sainthood cause, according to Bishop Burbidge. The process, which began almost two decades after Vander Woude's death, involves gathering information to determine if he meets the criteria for sainthood.

Bishop Burbidge emphasized that the investigation considers not only Vander Woude's heroic act but also his daily faithfulness as a husband, father, and citizen. The process is being led by Waldery Hilgeman, the cause's postulator, and the diocese is seeking all relevant information.

Tom Vander Woude, a father of seven, sacrificed his life to save his youngest son, Joseph, who has Down syndrome. His son, Chris Vander Woude, expressed excitement and gratitude for the progress in the cause, stating it is 'truly exciting and incredibly humbling.

The investigation marks the first cause the diocese has formally petitioned for, according to Msgr. Paul deLadurantaye, the chancellor of the diocese. The process involves the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome and has been ongoing for several years.

What's confirmed

The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is investigating Tom Vander Woude’s cause for sainthood almost two decades after he died saving his son. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Tom Vander Woude Guild Chris Vander Woude, a son of Tom Vander Woude who is advocating for his cause, expressed his excitement at the progress.

What's still developing

Because of his self-sacrificial act, a group of Catholics, formally called the Tom Vander Woude Guild, began to advocate for his cause.

Sources

National Catholic Registerlink