"I have but
one dream. To see a bigger and better Bonaventure." Fr Tom Plassmann
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On September 11th 1898 Bernard Plassmann joined the order of Franciscans and received the name Thomas. Plassmann continued his studies a year later at St. Stephen's Monastery in Croghan, New York, studying the classics. He would return to Paterson, NJ to study philosophy in 1901, and then moved on to the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. to study theology. Thomas Plassmann was ordained a priest in 1906 and became Father Tom, a name that would become synonymous with St. Bonaventure University. In 1907 he received his doctorate in philosophy and also earned a double major in oriental languages and sacred scriptures. Fr. Tom wished to return to Europe to study after receiving his degrees at the Catholic University. Upon request he was granted permission to travel to the Apollinarium in Rome in 1909 where he would receive his S.T.D.. Home Site brought up 01/12/2004 |
Bernard (Thomas) Plassmann was the second of
eight children. He was born in Avenwedde, Westphalia, Germany in 1879. As a child,
Bernard saw himself as either a soldier for Germany or a servant of God. In 1894
he made the decision to follow God. He traveled with the Franciscan Friars on a
mission to Paterson, NJ. There, Bernard was taken into St. Elizabeth of the Order
of Friars. After his stay at St. Elizabeth, he was shipped off to St.
Francis Solanus (now Quincy College) in Illinois. It was there that Bernard
began his studies.