Background
Drumm, Thomas W. was born on July 12, 1871 in Fore, Ireland. Son of Thomas and Mary (Cullen) Drumm.
Drumm, Thomas W. was born on July 12, 1871 in Fore, Ireland. Son of Thomas and Mary (Cullen) Drumm.
He completed his theological studies at the Grand Seminary of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, where he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Paul Bruchési on December 21, 1901.
He served as Bishop of Des Moines from 1919 until his death in 1933. He came to the United States in 1888, and began his studies at Saint Joseph"s College in Dubuque, Iowa. He then furthered his studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, District of Columbia He labored in the diocesan missions of Dubuque, and became pastor of Saint Patrick"s Church in Cedar Rapids in 1915.
On March 28, 1919, Drumm was appointed the second Bishop of Des Moines by Pope Benedict XV. He received his episcopal consecration on the following May 21 from Archbishop John Joseph Keane, with Bishops James J. Davis and Edmond Heelan serving as co-consecrators.
In 1924 he became the first Catholic bishop to preach regularly on the radio, offering monthly broadcasts on World Health Organization. He remained as bishop until his death at age 62.
Member Knights of Columbus.