During this Year for Priests, the Diocese of Raleigh is presenting a “Did You Know” feature of Priests serving in the Diocese. As new profiles are added, such as the one below, the previous ones will be available on the Year for Priests page.

Msgr. Thomas P. Hadden
Vicar for African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization

Who is your favorite saint?

After the Blessed Mother, St Paul the Apostle is my favorite saint. As a student in Rome I frequently visit the Tomb of St. Paul. Since we were ordained six months before we finished our studies I offered Mass at his tomb as often as I could. I did this also in subsequent visits to Rome after I returned to the States.

What was your most memorable spiritual pilgrimage?

My most memorable spiritual pilgrimage was to Lourdes.

Who was the greatest influence on your vocation as a priest and why?

No one person was the greatest influence on my vocation as a priest.

In grammar school Sister Emily and Sister Marinus, both Scranton IHM Sisters, were great influences, as was Father Otis Carl, O.P. All of these were at St. Monica in Raleigh my home parish. In High School, I lived in Portsmouth, Virginia where School Sister Mary Elizabeth and Sister Martha were great influences. Sister Martha’s mother gave me the Chalice which I still use.

Do you have a hobby or hobbies or leisure activity?

Reading and walking are my leisure activities.

What is your favorite food? Do you cook it yourself?

I do not have one favorite food. Chicken and fish are my favorites. I am not a good cook.

Favorite sport? Favorite team – College and/or Professional?

Tennis was my favorite sport. It has been years since I was able to play it, however.

Favorite author and/or book?

At present my favorite author is Fr. Michael Casey.

Favorite movie?

My favorite movie is an old one – Marcellino Pan y Vino.

Favorite music and/or artist?

Chanticleer is the group whose music I like the best.

Any interesting fact that your parishioners would be interested in knowing?

I am a native born North Carolinian. My mother’s family was Free People of Color from Gates County, who are listed in a census of 1710.