Thomas Coughlin

By: Jordan Stovall

Directory

Fame

FamilyBirth & Education

TreatmentGallery

Changing theWorld

Why He’s Famous

• Thomas Coughlin was the first Deaf priest ordained in the U.S.

• He started a Catholic camp called Camp Mark Seven.

• He founded the Dominican Missionaries for the Deaf Apostolate,

Family Info

• As a Catholic priest, Thomas Coughlin cannot marry or have children.

Birth and Education

• Thomas Coughlin was born deaf in 1850.

• He first wanted to be a priest after he read the book, Burnt Out Incense, by Father Raymond.

• Graduated from Gallaudet University with a BA in English in 1972.

• Graduated from Catholic University with a MA in Religious Studies in 1976.

Treatment

• After graduating from high school, he applied to many seminaries, and all rejected him because he was Deaf.

• Many people opposed him becoming a priest, before and after ordination, because he was Deaf.

• One Church rejected him because he couldn’t be a part of their choral office.

How he Changed the World

• Thomas Coughlin made it easier for Deaf people to have a voice in their religion.

• When he was considering to quit, Father Thomas Lupo stated “You have to open the door. You have to suffer so others won't.”

Photo Gallery