The Diocese of Arlington has begun preliminary steps in investigating the possible canonization of Tom Vander Woude, a devoted Catholic husband and father who died while saving his son’s life in 2008.
According to LifeSiteNews, Vander Woude, a father of seven and former athletic director at Christendom College, plunged into a septic tank on his Virginia farm after his 20-year-old son Joseph, who has Down syndrome, fell inside. The tank was nearly seven feet deep. Vander Woude held his son above the sewage to keep him from drowning while toxic gases filled his own lungs. He died at the scene at the age of 66. Joseph survived and recovered quickly.
Seventeen years later, his witness continues to inspire the Christendom College community and many Catholics across the country. His son Chris described his father as “a tremendous leader and guardian of our family,” according to LifeSiteNews. He added that his father led primarily by example: “He did this first and foremost by leading the family towards Christ through frequent reception of the sacraments, generously giving of himself for his family, and exercising tremendous virtue day in and day out, especially in the quiet, hidden areas like temperance and courage.”
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A Vietnam veteran and commercial airline pilot, Vander Woude moved his family to Virginia so his sons could receive a faithful Catholic education. He volunteered as a coach at Seton School in Manassas and later served full time as athletic director at Christendom College after retiring from U.S. Airways. He became known for encouraging young athletes with a simple phrase that students still remember: “just do the right thing,” according to LifeSiteNews.
His life of quiet fidelity, combined with his heroic death, led a group of Catholics to petition the Diocese of Arlington to consider opening his cause for sainthood. A guild has since been formed to promote his cause, and the diocese has appointed a postulator and vice postulator to investigate the case.
The Church recognizes three primary paths toward sainthood: martyrdom, heroic virtue, and, following a 2017 determination by Pope Francis, the “offer of one’s life.” According to LifeSiteNews, Vander Woude’s cause is being advanced primarily under this third category, while also recognizing his life of heroic virtue.
Reflecting on the investigation, Chris Vander Woude said, “To me, this investigation into opening his cause for canonization means that there is hope in living a life of virtue even if it is hidden or simple,” according to LifeSiteNews. He expressed his hope that others would be inspired by his father’s example: “Dad’s story is so powerful, inspirational and full of hope. I hope that many people who learn about his life and his death will be inspired to live holy and virtuous lives in their vocation.”
For many Catholics, Vander Woude’s witness offers a profound reminder that sanctity is often forged not in public acclaim, but in daily faithfulness — and, when called upon, in total self-gift.
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