Thomas Joseph Tobin, American bishop. Trustee Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio; member episcopal advisory board Catholics United for the Faith; Member of United States Conference Catholic Bishops (member administrative committee).
Background
Thomas Tobin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and studied at Saint Mark Seminary High School and Gannon University, both in Erie, before entering Saint Francis University in Loretto where he received his Bachelor in 1969 and the Pontifical North American College and Pontifical Gregorian University, both in Rome.
Education
Degree, St. Francis College, Loretto, 1969. Doctor of Philosophy (honorary), St. Francis College, Loretto, 1997. Attended, Gannon College, Erie.
Attended, North College, Rome. Attended, Gregorian University. Attended, Pontifical Liturgical Institute San Anselmo.
Career
He serves as the eighth and current Bishop of Providence. Early life and ordination He also pursued his graduate studies at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of San Anselmo in Rome. Tobin was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Vincent Leonard on July 21, 1973, and then served as an assistant pastor at Saint Vitus Parish in New Castle until 1979.
Bishop On November 3, 1992, Tobin was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh and Titular Bishop of Novica by Pope John Paul World War II He received his episcopal consecration on December 27, 1992, from then-Bishop Donald Wuerl, with Bishops Anthony Bosco and Nicholas C. Dattilo serving as co-consecrators.
Tobin was later named Bishop of Youngstown, Ohio, on December 5, 1995 (installed on February 6, 1992). In 1997, he was given an honorary doctorate from his alma mater of Saint Francis University.
Pope John Paul II appointed Tobin Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, on March 31, 2005. He was installed on May 31, 2005.
Bishop Tobin currently sits on the Board of Trustees of Providence College and of Salve Regina University.
He also maintains a column for his diocesan newspaper entitled "Without A Doubt". The Without a Doubt columns have been published in two books authored by the Bishop: Without a Doubt: Bringing Faith to Life and Effective Faith: Faith that Makes a Difference.
Views
Tobin also became embroiled in a public dispute with Rhode Island Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy over the Congressman"s support for abortion rights during the Health Care debate. Kennedy claimed that Tobin barred him from the sacrament of Holy Communion, while Tobin claimed it was simply a confidential request that was made years prior.
Bishop Tobin is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and displays a Steeler banner on his residence during each game day.
Upon President Obama"s announced support for same-sex marriage, Tobin claimed it was "a sad day in American history". His views on Catholic morality and voting have included the concept that voting for a pro-choice/Feminist/pro-LGBTQQ candidate is morally unacceptable.
The Bishop has also stated that "the Catholic Church has respect, love and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who have same-sex attraction. I sincerely pray for God’s blessings upon them, that they will enjoy much health, happiness and peace.".
Membership
Trustee Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio. Member episcopal advisory board Catholics United for the Faith. Member of United States Conference Catholic Bishops (member administrative committee).