Most Rev. Thomas J. Mardaga

Titular Bishop of Mutugunna – Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore

Thomas Joseph Mardaga, son of Thomas and Agnes (Ryan) Mardaga, was born on May 14, 1913 in Baltimore. He attended St. Ann Elementary School in Baltimore and St. Charles College in Catonsville. He received his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1940 by Bishop Michael J. Curley.

Bishop Mardaga’s years of priestly ministry are quite impressive. He was engaged in pastoral work in many ways. He was Assistant at St. Paul Church in Baltimore before being transferred to Assistant at the Basilica of the Assumption. He also served as Director of the Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Organization, Archdiocesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Executive Secretary of Charity Fund Appeal, Assistant Archdiocesan Coordinator of the Cardinal’s Campaign; Archdiocesan Consultor, and Director of the Catholic Bishops Overseas Relief Fund. Also, on March 17, 1963 he was made a Domestic Prelate of the papal household.

Pope Paul VI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore on December 9, 1966. He received his episcopal ordination at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on January 15, 1967. Lawrence Cardinal Shehan presided over the celebration. During his short period of time as Bishop, he served as Rector of the Basilica of the Assumption and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

On March 13, 1968 he was transferred to Wilmington. He was installed as the sixth Bishop of Wilmington on April 6, 1968 at St. Elizabeth Church.

He continued as See of Wilmington until his death on May 28, 1984.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Catholic Bishops in America 1789-1989, Volume II.