Prep Journeys: Thomas Angelucci '29

Though only a freshman, Thomas Angelucci’s Prep journey is already deeply connected to a legacy that spans continents, cultures, and generations.

On campus, Thomas is involved in Student Council, Night of Scenes, and the Stock Market Club. But beyond his activities on campus, Thomas carries with him a remarkable family connection to the Prep, one that recently took him thousands of miles from 17th and Girard to India.

Thomas is the great-nephew of Father John Deeney, S.J., a 1939 Prep graduate, Jesuit missionary, recent Hall of Excellence inductee, and widely known as the “Apostle to the Ho People.” Father Deeney spent more than 70 years serving indigenous communities in India, founding schools, translating the Bible into the Ho language, giving the people a written language for the first time, and helping establish a thriving Catholic community where none had existed before.

“As I started at the Prep, I began learning more about him,” Thomas said. “When my brothers were here, he was inducted into the Hall of Excellence, and that’s when it really clicked how important his work was, not just to our family, but to the larger Prep community.”

That connection became real in a powerful way when Thomas and his family were invited by Jesuits in India to make a pilgrimage this past November. They walked in the footsteps of Father Deeney and visited the communities he served.

At first, Thomas wasn’t sure what to expect. The journey itself was demanding: long flights, constant driving, unfamiliar food, and early mornings awakened by roosters and barking dogs. Still, the experience quickly became unforgettable.

Traveling with his parents, sister, uncle John Gill ’96, and other family members, Thomas visited Jamchapore and Lupungutu. They stayed at Jesuit residences and schools Father Deeney founded, including St. Xavier’s. Wherever they went, they were met with extraordinary hospitality; students lined up to welcome them, saluting and performing ceremonies, including a full theatrical production depicting Father Deeney’s life.

“It felt like we were meeting people who truly knew him, even if they had never met him personally,” Thomas says. “He was a celebrity there.”

One of the most meaningful parts of the pilgrimage was visiting the museum dedicated to Father Deeney’s life. Inside were photos, timelines, his original bicycle used to travel between villages, and deeply personal artifacts. These included his alb, handwritten flashcards used to teach language, hymnals, and copies of the Ho Bible he translated.

“Seeing the Ho Bible and the flashcards he made really stood out to me,” Thomas reflected. “He used his talents to help others. That’s exactly what it means to be a man for and with others.”

Throughout the week, Thomas had opportunities to speak to students at the schools. He shared what a Jesuit education means to him and emphasized the importance of faith, formation, and service. He also joined students on the soccer and basketball courts, connecting across cultures through play. Witnessing the living impact of Father Deeney’s work profoundly shaped Thomas’ understanding of service.

“He did all of this without expecting anything in return,” Thomas says. “Seeing how little people had, but how joyful they still were, made me realize that service itself is the reward.”

That contrast left a lasting impression. Thomas visited homes that were barely standing, including the site of the first baptism Father Deeney performed in the region. It was considered one of the nicer homes in the area. Yet despite poverty, the Ho people were present, joyful, and deeply connected to their community and faith.

The experience also deepened Thomas’ faith. “If Father Deeney had never gone there, most people would still be practicing Hinduism,” he said. “Now there’s a huge Catholic population. Seeing that impact made me realize what one person’s faith and courage can do.”

As a freshman just beginning his own Prep journey, Thomas sees clear parallels between Father Deeney’s life and the Jesuit formation he is receiving today. Lessons from World Religions helped him better understand Jesuit missionaries and their call. This made the pilgrimage even more meaningful.

“I always knew I was going to come to the Prep,” Thomas said. “It just spoke to me. Now I see even more clearly what this place forms students to do.”

Looking ahead, Thomas knows the pilgrimage will stay with him throughout his time at the Prep and well beyond. It has inspired him to continue learning about Jesuit history, deepen his faith, and seek opportunities to serve others more intentionally.

“Father Deeney’s life taught me that using your gifts for others can change the world,” Thomas said. “That’s something I’ll always carry with me as I continue my Prep journey.”