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For someone who was
created a Privy Chamberlain by the Roman Catholic Church, it is surprising
little information is available on Thomas James O’Loughlin. The Argus
obituary reveals some details. It notes that he “took a leading part in
the reception of Cardinal Cerretti who visited Australia as Papal Leyate to
the Eucharistic Congress in Sydney. In recognition of this role and his
generous benefactions to the Roman Catholic Church, he was created a
domestic Privy Chamberlain to Pope Pius XI”. On his wedding day in 1911 in
Kilkenny, Ireland, he was created a Count of Rome by Pope Pius X; his
benefactions to Catholic undertakings and charities was said to have
succeeded £100,000. It is believed O’Loughlin donated a considerable amount
towards the purchase of the Kew mansion Raheen in September 1917
along with other noted Catholic benefactors such as John Wren
(Boroondara Cemetery). On his death on 21 June 1929, Monsignor Lonergan
said “there was scarcely a Catholic Institution in Australia that was not in
some way or other indebted to him”. O’Loughlin resided at Tara Hall
- 38 Hawthorn Grove, Hawthorn; his funeral service was held at St. Patrick’s
Cathedral. |
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