Potential sainthood cause progresses for Tom Vander Woude, who saved son

 ANNA DONOFRIO | CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF WRITER

9/10/26

  

Tom and Mary Ellen Vander Woude. COURTESY

Tom Vander Woude holds his youngest son, Joseph, in a family photo from 1988. COURTESY

Tom Vander Woude coaches a basketball team at Christendom College in Front Royal during his time as the head men’s basketball coach. COURTESY

Tom Vander Woude. COURTESY

It’s been 18 years since Thomas Vander Woude gave his life to save his son Joseph from drowning in a septic tank. Now, the Arlington diocese is investigating his cause for canonization.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge released an edict Sept. 10, asking the faithful in the diocese to submit any information that should be considered as the diocese continues its investigation.

“We therefore invite all the faithful to communicate directly or to submit to the Rev. Msgr. Paul deLadurantaye, Chancellor of the Diocese of Arlington, all information from which elements favorable or contrary to the reputation for holiness, the offering of life, or the reputation for signs of Thomas Stephen Vander Woude may be inferred,” the edict read. “Furthermore, in accordance with the applicable canonical provisions, all writings attributed to Thomas Stephen Vander Woude, including diaries, letters, correspondence, manuscripts, notes and any other private writings, as well as documents in any way relevant to the Cause, must be collected.”

An edict is “the first public notification” that a cause for canonization is being considered, according to Msgr. deLadurantaye. The edict solicits information from those who knew Tom. Any materials written by him will be “examined for theological accuracy, to make sure there’s nothing that contradicts the faith or moral teaching of the church,” according to Msgr. deLadurantaye.

More: https://x.com/arlingtonchurch/status/2098117224410059176?s=46&t=IydJ-X8H6c0NM044nYKQ0w