Father Thomas Philippe was born in Cysoin, near Lille (in France), on March 28 1905. Of the twelve children, seven would become priests or nuns.

On November 21 1923, Father Thomas entered the Dominican order. He made his final vows on December 1, 1924 and was ordained a priest on July 25 1929.

He taught at the School of Theology at the Saulchoir and at the Angelicum (the Dominican School of Theology in Rome) until 1940. In 1941, he was named rector of the Saulchoir. After the war, in 1946, he gathered an international group of students around him in a community called "Eau Vive" ("Living Waters") for a formation in theology, spirituality and Christian living. Jean Vanier joined his group in 1950.

In 1963, Father Thomas Philippe became the chaplain of the "Val Fleuri", an institution for thirty men with a developmental disability in Trosly-Breuil, 90 km north of Paris. He invited Jean Vanier to visit him and inspired and encouraged him to "do something" for people with developmental disabilities. In August 1964, Jean Vanier founded L'Arche in Trosly-Breuil. Father Thomas became the priest of L'Arche.

In 1972, he opened "La Ferme", a place of prayer and retreat within the community of Trosly-Breuil. He continued to celebrate the daily Eucharist and to guide and accompany many people inside as well as outside L'Arche. Father Thomas remained the priest of L'Arche until his death on February 4, 1993. He was buried next to the chapel at "La Ferme" in Trosly-Breuil.

His books are available through Daybreak Publications.