Msgr. Thomas Palmer, a native of Ireland who served in active ministry in the priesthood in the Archdiocese of San Antonio for more than five decades, died at the Padua Place residence for retired priests on July 15, 2023 at the age of 92.

Msgr. Palmer was born on July 24, 1930, in Ballyonskill, Attanagh, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Upon his ordination to the priesthood at St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny on June 8, 1958, he came to serve the Catholic Church in South Texas in September of that year.

His assignments include service as an associate pastor at St. Gregory the Church in San Antonio from 1958 to 1961, associate pastor of St. Stanislaus Church in Bandera from 1961 to 1962, associate pastor of St. Louis Church in Castroville from 1962 to 1966, associate pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church in Victoria from 1966 to 1968, associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in San Antonio from 1968 to 1972, pastor of St. Luke Church in Loire from 1972 to 1975, pastor of St. Cornelius Church in Karnes City from 1975 to 1980, pastor of St. Mary Church in Fredericksburg from 1980 to 1986, pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in San Antonio from 1986 to 1989, and pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in LaCoste from 1989 until his retirement in 2001. In 2011 he moved to the Padua Place residence. Msgr. Palmer continued to celebrate Masses in parishes across the archdiocese for years after his last pastorate.

He was named a monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1989, and later appointed dean of the Hondo Deanery by Archbishop Patrick Flores in 1992. During his priesthood he also served as Scout chaplain for the Hondo Deanery, moderator for the Council of Catholic Youth in the Hondo Deanery, director of Sodalities for the Hondo Deanery, spiritual director for the Victoria Curia of the Legion of Mary, and assisted in offering the sacrament of reconciliation for the Sisters of Divine Providence and the Missionary Servants of St. Anthony.  On June 22, 2008, Our Lady of Grace Parish hosted a Mass of thanksgiving commemorating the 50th anniversary of ordination for Msgr. Palmer. A reception following the liturgy featuring Irish dancing and music as well as mariachis, and members of the monsignor's family traveled from New York to attend the festivities.

"His personal traits of giving, tenderness, gentleness and holiness have left an indelible mark on the sacramental nature of the parish," read the program from the event. "We are honored to have this opportunity to raise him up and express our appreciation to him."  "I will always remember Msgr. Palmer's kindness and graciousness during my visits to Padua Place," said Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS. "I am grateful to him and his family, and to all of the priests from Ireland who have ministered so well in this archdiocese through the years. We have been truly blessed through their presence."

FUNERAL SERVICES

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Services will be held at

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

600 Oblate Dr.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 P.M.

Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 1:30 P.M.

Burial will be held in Ireland at a later date.