THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 36, NO. 15 | NOVEMBER 21, 2014
Father Mirco Sosio, AVI, expresses the unity of the presbyterate by imposing his hands on newly ordained Father Gerard Alba. Father Alba was ordained Nov. 15 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.
SEAL OF APPROVAL
Archdiocese celebrates fourth priestly ordination this year
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s nice to know that someone has your back, especially during the really important moments of your life. When Father Gerard Alba was presented to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for ordination to the priesthood on Nov. 15 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, a lot of people had his back. Not only were the first seven pews filled with his relatives, there wasn’t an empty seat in the cathedral. A good number of people even stood at the back. After the archbishop accepted him, it was the people’s turn to give their assent — which they did with thunderous applause. “I’ll take that as approval for the candidate,” Archbishop Naumann said. Father Alba, 33, a native of the Re-
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STORY by JOE BOLLIG PHOTOS by MEL WATSON public of the Philippines but raised in the United States, was the fourth man to be ordained to the priesthood for the archdiocese this year. His is the first priestly vocation from the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Father Alba was ordained a deacon on May 17, 2013, at Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. Archbishop Naumann was the ordaining minister, main celebrant and homilist. Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher and some 50 priests concelebrated. Several deacons and seminarians were also present. During the ordination rite, Father Alba promised his obedience >> See “PRIESTLY” on page 6
Deacon Gerard Alba stands before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood.
6/19/15 3:16 PM