Lessons from a great man

     Viterbo has lost a great man and our campus will never be the same. After Father Tom O'Neill passed away, our entire campus felt different. Grief and sadness was all around but a sense of hope and acceptance came to many after Ft. Tom's funeral.

     Ft. Tom Linder said at Ft. Tom's funeral that "he [Ft. Tom] was much further along with this path than most of us will ever be. Tom encouraged, challenged, angered, inspired, and amazed [us]." I only met with Ft. Tom a few times while I've been at Viterbo but I will never forget him.

     Hearing everyone's stories about him makes me wish that I would have gotten to know him a little better. He was truly a remarkable man. His ability to relate to everyone, from 20-year-old students to 80-year-old Franciscan nuns, is something to be proud of. I think that is why Ft. Tom seemed so unique. I have not seen or heard of many Catholic priests being friends with his students and being able to joke about anything and everything.

     Father Tom was an inspirational man. With his faith as his foundation, he reached out and helped so many people in so many ways. He was always there for everyone—helping during an emergency, giving advice on faith, classes, and life or just listening—being that one person someone could turn to turned into being the one and only person anyone wanted to go to.

     Everyone should aspire to be more like Ft. Tom. His use of faith, humor, and acceptance of others made him a truly gifted priest, professor, and friend. Ft. Tom was an amazing man and his memory will be cherished at Viterbo forever. Rest in peace, Father Tom.