O'REILLY, Patrick Thomas, R. C. bishop, born in Cavan, Ireland, 24 December, 1833. He emigrated to the United States at an early age, and was educated by a wealthy uncle in Boston. He began his philosophical and theological studies in St. Charles's college, Maryland, and completed them in St. Mary's seminary, Baltimore. On his return to Boston, he was ordained priest there in 1857. His first mission was at St. John's church, Worcester, which he left in 1862 to organize St. Joseph's parish, Boston. He remained in charge of this for two years, and was then sent back to Worcester. He was nominated first bishop of Springfield on 28 June, 1870; and consecrated by Archbishop McCloskey on 25 September The administration of Bishop O'Reilly has been very successful. The district at the time of its formation into a diocese contained fifty-four churches and forty priests. There are now (1888) 141 priests, fifty ecclesiastical students, ninety churches, and fourteen stations.