Tom Vander Woude: Difference between revisions

'''Tom Vander Woude''' (full name '''Thomas S. Vander Woude'''), a devout Catholic layman, husband, and father of seven sons from Nokesville (near Gainesville/Manassas), Virginia, in the Diocese of Arlington, is recognized for his heroic act of self-sacrifice on September 8, 2008 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary). According to eyewitness accounts and diocesan reports, while winterizing the family farm's pool, his 19-year-old son Joseph (who has Down syndrome) fell into the septic tank. Tom immediately jumped in, held Joseph above the toxic fumes and sewage to allow him to breathe, and instructed a farmhand to pull Joseph out while he pushed from below. Joseph was rescued, but Tom succumbed to the fumes and drowning, dying at age 66.

Evidence from Catholic media (e.g., Catholic News Agency, Arlington Catholic Herald, National Catholic Register) and family testimonies indicates Tom lived an ordinary yet exemplary life of faith: raising seven sons (one of whom, Fr. Tom Vander Woude, became a priest), prioritizing the daily family Rosary, coaching youth sports, welcoming families into his home, supporting Catholic education (e.g., at Seton School), and demonstrating consistent charity and fatherly love. His death is seen as the culmination of a life of virtue, fitting the 2017 motu proprio of Pope Francis (*Maiorem hac dilectionem*) introducing "offer of life" (free and voluntary heroic acceptance of death propter caritatem—out of charity) as a path to sainthood, alongside martyrdom and heroic virtue.

As of January 23, 2026, the Diocese of Arlington is actively investigating the potential opening of his cause for canonization under this "offer of life" category, in collaboration with the Tom Vander Woude Guild (founded to share his story, collect reports of graces/favors through his intercession, and advance the process). Reports from 2025 confirm diocesan-level work, including assignment of a postulator in Rome and public talks by his son Chris Vander Woude. He has not yet been declared Servant of God (the title begins formally upon diocesan opening of the cause and nihil obstat from the Holy See), Venerable, Blessed, or Saint—no beatification or canonization has occurred, and no authenticated miracles are publicly documented for beatification purposes. This reflects current Catholic processes and media coverage, but consult primary Church sources (Diocese of Arlington or Dicastery for the Causes of Saints) for the latest official status, as the cause remains preliminary.