Remembering Bishop Gumbleton: Voices from House of Grace CW & Kay Lasante Clinic

April 11, 2024

Dear Friends,

Many of you know that Bishop Tom Gumbleton (Tom) died on Thursday, April 4th in Detroit. He was 94. We are flying out for his funeral this morning—we will be carrying your love and prayers with us. If you wish to join us virtually, Tom’s funeral on Saturday, April 13 will be live streamed from the Cathedral’s facebook page.

For us, and for the House of Grace, Tom Gumbleton was not only a partner, but also a beloved friend and spiritual mentor. While this news did not come as a total shock, the reality of losing someone so important to our path and critical to our work has deep and profound impact.

Cover photo: Daniel Tillias, Tom Gumbleton, Johanna Berrigan, and Miriam Ford visiting with children in Haiti. Courtesy of House of Grace Catholic Worker.

We write with hearts full of sadness, but filled with deep gratitude for his presence in our community and our lives.

Tom believed in healing. He did that through his powerful witness to peace and his ongoing thirst for justice. A primary incarnation of that belief was his partnership with us in founding the Kay Lasante Clinic in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Over the past 20 years, we have worked closely with Tom and the community in Haiti to keep this clinic open and thriving. Even in the midst of extreme political turmoil and unimaginable violence, the clinic keeps doors open as it can. Along with us, the community in Haiti feels Tom’s loss acutely. (Please comments below from a few clinic staff members).

Tom accompanied the clinic with constant presence. He was present at the founding of Kay Lasante and present to visit Fr. Jean Juste, their parish priest, when he was unjustly imprisoned. Tom was there to offer him the anointing of the sick shortly before Fr. Jean Juste died. He was present during the devastating earthquake to continue to nurture the clinic’s growth. It is in part due to his conviction and relentless hope that the clinic has become what it is–a beacon of caring and compassion for that community.

Tom was so pleased when Kay Lasante Clinic merged with WhatIf Foundation. Both organizations were founded by Fr. Jean Juste, who Tom admired and was deeply inspired by. Johanna and Tom had visited What If’s projects many times. It was, to him, a beautiful coming together of organizations.

Yet our work and collaboration with Tom Gumbleton has much deeper roots. He was a tireless supporter of the House of Grace and the broader Catholic Worker movement. He worked with us as part of the Catholic Peace Fellowship, Pax Christi, and the anti-war movement. He brought the gospel message of love to all he did. He was passionate about peace and uncompromising about justice.

His presence touched our own house. Everyone in our household remembers his rising at 5:30 AM every day to sit and pray. At the House of Grace, he offered retreats and presided at liturgies–particularly memorable is one at St. Malachy’s Church, where he vehemently denounced the war in Iraq. He worked with Voices in the Wilderness and House of Grace to call for an end to the sanctions in Iraq, traveling with us to break the embargo and bring medicines to suffering children.

He baptized both Jimmy and Junnell, and confirmed Junnell here at the House of Grace.

Perhaps most precious was his balanced, hopeful witness. Tom was never just all work. He spoke about the middle way. He loved a good laugh, a good movie, and a good meal. He loved baseball and going to games. He took care of his body the way he took care of his spirit. He made time to swim at least three times a week.

In the midst of his busy days and concerns for the hurting world, he loved the opportunity to relax. More than anything, he loved to sit quietly, have a cup of coffee, and read.

Tom knew and lived within God’s boundless embrace. In one of the last conversations we had, Johanna asked him: “Tom, what are you doing?”

“I am just sitting here letting God love me.”

It is a beautiful thing to know that the embrace of God has carried him home.  

As we share our loss with you, however, somehow it also kindles our hope and our resolve for the work ahead. Never giving up. Being faithful to what is demanded in order to bear the light.

Tom embodied this work, and now we carry on. He taught us so well. He was, and we are, deeply grateful for your faithful support and participation with House of Grace.

In peace,

Johanna Berrigan, Mary Beth Appel, and Katie Huynh

News Coverage

Some news outlets have reflected on the impact of Tom’s life. La Croix International remembers Tom as a man who anticipated the papacy of Pope Francis through his political activism, ideas of war and peace, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. The New York Timesremember Tom for his progressive views, clash with Church leadership, and support of abuse survivors.

Funeral Details

Tom’s obituary and funeral service details can be found here. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00AM at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament (9844 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202)

The Gumbleton family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to any of Tom’s projects, specifically the Kay Lasante Clinic would be appreciated. To donate, select health care/Kay Lasante on the linked form. For more information, visit  the WhatIf Foundation’s website.

Staff members at Kay Lasante Clinic shared reflections on Tom’s passing:

Daguerre Jean Junior, Administrator

I didn’t have any chance to meet you in person but your hard work, your great heart, your simplicity, your generosity, all your hard work especially here in Haiti speak for you. I entered KLS’s staff in May 2019, you were no longer able to travel to Haiti anymore but everyone I met there at was talking about you for what you have done to us here in Haiti especially at Kay Lasante.You were, you are and will be the corner stone of the Clinic. Your efforts,your works to set up Kay Lasante are unforgettable.  I know how difficult it is for the people in Caradeux to to find a small piece of health care but with your love, your kindness, your humility, the spirit of love that guided you brought it to them.Thank you so much Bishop Tom. We are so grateful and thankful for everything you have done for us.

May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Dr Belfort Jean Fefnay, Medical Director

It is with a feeling of sadness I express my deepestc ondolences to all the board members, the family and all other people that the death of Bishop Tom may affect. Bishop was a great human being with a good heart. I will never forget that answer once he gave me when I was asking him: What motivates you to come here in Haiti, and in other places around the world despite your age, with not a good health condition?

He smiled and said: LOVE is the only thing that multiplies when it is shared.  My mission is to share LOVE and PEACE as much as I can.  I will never forget those words of him. I hope that the seeds of LOVE that Bishop Tom has shown throughout the world will continue to grow up and the peace and Serenity that his presence transmitted will remain in the spirit of all the people who had the opportunity to know and meet him. May your soul rest in peace Bishop Tom.

Tom with Dr. Belfort

Carlo Adam

It is with a great sadness that I am talking about Bishop Tom Today. I was 20 years old when I met you at Saint Claire Parish in Petite Place Cazeau. I remember Bishop Tom, Johanna and father Gerard Jean Juste were thinking about how to help the community to find primary healthcare. Tom you gone but you will be always in our thought here at Kay Lasante.

Rest in Eternal Peace Bishop,

To God be the glory

Miss Picot Julienne

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, you will never forget you. You will always be in my heart.  Your life was a testimony of generosity, compassion and dedication to others. As a founder of Kay Lasante we are so grateful to have had a privilege to know you and work with you. You gone but your memories will remain. I will continue to do the work you trusted me. I am asking God to welcome you on his arms. May the heritage of the love and compassion you have for others enlighten our lives and inspires us for ever.

Miss Menard Sintile

I always have a special attention for Bishop Tom due to his age. I used to say if it is not because of LOVE: At this age what would be his interest to spend hours on a plane traveling to come to Haiti helping brothers and sisters who are in need. This shows to me that with LOVE all things are possible. I remember I had an issue at the clinic I got frustrated and Bishop Tom told me you inspire me. It was a word of comfort. Bishop Tom and I share the same day of birth which is January 26th.  I promise you I will always celebrate with you every time that date arrives. With you I realized people never get old enough to good to others, never to old to show LOVE. You are still alive at the house of Health Bishop Tom.

Rest in Peace Bishop Tom.

Translated from the Creole by Daguerre Jean JuniorWith mourning hearts in hope of the resurrection, we exclaim, Bishop Tom Gumbleton, presente!