Thomas John Rodi


Thomas John Rodi is an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He is the current Archbishop of Mobile, having previously served as Bishop of Biloxi from 2001 to 2008.

Biography

Thomas Rodi was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1967. He then attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. Upon his return to New Orleans, Rodi earned a law degree from Tulane University Law School in 1974, and entered Notre Dame Seminary, there receiving his Master's in Divinity in 1978. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1978, and then served as associate pastor at St. Ann Parish in Metairie and at St. Christopher the Martyr Parish in Jefferson.
He became a judge for the metropolitan tribunal in 1983, and earned his licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America School of Canon Law in 1986. Rodi then taught canon law at his alma mater of Notre Dame Seminary until 1995, as well as serving as director of the Office of Religious Education from 1988 to 1989, and of the Department of Pastoral Services from 1989 to 1996. In addition to his other duties, he was named Chancellor and vicar general and curial moderator of New Orleans. Rodi was also raised to the rank of Honorary Prelate of His Holiness in 1992, and was administrator of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in River Ridge, ministered in Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Pius X parishes in New Orleans, and was pastor of St. Rita Parish in New Orleans.

Bishop of Biloxi

On May 15, 2001, Rodi was appointed the second Bishop of Biloxi, Mississippi, by Pope John Paul II. He received episcopal consecration on the following July 2 from Archbishop Oscar Hugh Lipscomb, with Archbishop Francis Schulte and Bishop Joseph Howze serving as co-consecrators. Rodi selected as his episcopal motto: Caritas Christi Urget Nos, meaning, "The love of Christ compels us."

Archbishop of Mobile

later named Rodi the second Archbishop of Mobile on April 2, 2008, replacing longtime incumbent Oscar Hugh Lipscomb. He was formally installed as Archbishop on June 6 of that year.

Episcopal succession