Priest’s legacy of faith and sacrifice inspires across the generations

By John Shaughnessy

The person whose name graces Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis has long inspired its students, staff, graduates and families.

There’s a definite spirit connected to the archdiocesan high school on the east side of the city, a spirit of caring, being faithful and “going the extra mile” for each other and people in need—the very qualities that Father Scecina exuded in his too short life.

For those people who don’t know the story of this American hero, the school’s website provides this capsulized perspective:

“Father Tom was a priest with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis who served God and country as a military chaplain during World War II before perishing at sea with other U.S. prisoners of war in 1944. 

“While he was stationed in the Philippines during WWII, Father Tom ministered to U.S. soldiers as well as a large congregation of Filipinos. He served on the front lines, rescuing and ministering to the wounded and the dying. He survived the Bataan Death March and spent two years in a Japanese POW [prisoner of war] camp. 

“In the fall of 1944, the Japanese prepared to move the POWs by ship for slave labor, a practice in violation of the Geneva Convention. Father Tom and his fellow POWs boarded a Japanese ship called the Arisan Maru. The ship was not marked as a POW ship and was subsequently fired upon by a U.S. Navy submarine on October 24, 1944.

“Father Tom spent his final moments in the sinking ship hearing confessions, offering absolution, and giving comfort. Nearly 1,800 POWs, including Father Tom, perished at sea that day. 

“Father Tom posthumously received many military awards, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster. In November 2016, he was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.”

 Nine years after Father Scecina’s death, the school bearing his name opened in 1953 with 128 freshman girls and 127 freshman boys. Ever since, students and graduates of Scecina have embraced their namesake’s grit, goodness and grace—a bond of pride across generations.

As the school’s website notes about Father Scecina, “His legacy of faith and sacrifice continues to inspire our mission today.” †

Related: Indiana’s Catholics reflect American spirit of courage and sacrifice