Did You Know?

Father Anthony was baptized at St. Andrew’s in 1963. His parents, Bob and Elaine, now deceased, were active and beloved parishioners. Father Anthony serves as Apostolic Administrator for Kyrgyzstan, a position much like that of bishop. Since his priestly ordination in 1996, he has been assigned almost exclusively to the countries of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Father Anthony entered the Society of Jesus in 1985. Following the usual path of Jesuit formation, he completed the novitiate and First Studies (earning a master’s degree in international political economic development from Fordham). He taught social studies at Jesuit High School in New Orleans before completing both a licentiate and doctorate in sacred theology from the Weston School of Theology. From 1997 to 2000, Father Anthony served in the Diocese of Novosibirsk, Russia, as a pastoral minister, spiritual director of Seminary and Vicar General of the Diocese. After a short break for his tertianship, the final step in Jesuit formation, he returned to the Diocese of Novosibirsk, this time as Vicar General of the Diocese while also doing work in the local minor Seminary. Following a two-year return to the United States to complete his doctorate, he returned to Novosibirsk for another decade, during which time he served primarily as canonical Superior of the Russia region of Jesuits and Rector of the pro-seminary. Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator for Kyrgyzstan in 2017.

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous Central Asian country of 6 million people landlocked between China to the south and east and the republics of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, all formerly part of the Soviet Union. In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan gained its independence. Its population is largely Muslim. Catholics are few and far between, and are mainly of Polish, German or Korean origin. The jurisdiction was entrusted to the Jesuits by the Vatican. We ‘welcome home’ Father Anthony and look forward to hearing him next weekend! A special Second Collection will be taken at all Masses next weekend for his Mission!

AND Pope Leo will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis – the first ‘millennial saint’ – and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati this Sunday, 7 September. The canonizations have been greatly anticipated since they were first announced by Pope Francis last November, reflecting the widespread devotion to these two young Blesseds, particularly among young people seeking modern role models in the Faith. Our Youth Pilgrims visited the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis on their Pilgrimage to Rome in April – and our newly refurbished Youth Wing will be dedicated to now Saint Carlo Acutis following the 5:00 PM Life Teen Mass this Sunday!