Campus Minister

Rev. Fr. Alejandro Valladares, S.T.L.

On July 17, 2003 the Most Reverend Oscar H. Lipscomb, Archbishop Emeritus of Mobile, appointed me as Campus Minister for the Catholic Student Association at the University of South Alabama.  Over the past six years I have been working with the help of God to establish a strong and vibrant Christian community centered on the Worship of Jesus Christ.  I believe that the CSA has matured into that community.

On January 30, 2003 the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile consecrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Student Center for worship and ministry.  It has since been a safe place for believers to gather and praise the Lord Jesus Christ most especially in the Holy Eucharist.  Our Chapel is centered on the Eucharistic Lord.  Its classical architectural design reflects a Catholic spirituality which is always Eucharistic.  I encourage a personal intimacy with Jesus Christ, one which presupposes the life of the Holy Spirit.  As a community of faith we worship and pray together.  Every other social dimension of the community flows from this basic Christian principle.  We believe in Jesus Christ and live according to the Catholic faith.  Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, as we pray so do we believe, as we believe, so do we live.

The CSA offers a continuing education program for Catholics and those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith on Monday and Tuesday evenings.  Any student can attend with the goal receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

On Wednesday evenings we gather for a Holy Hour of Praise and Worship before the Holy Eucharist with music led by Gabriel Wanous, our music minister.  The evening culminates with celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the language of the Church, Latin.  Books are provided for all in attendance.

It is my sincere desire to help the students to enter more profoundly into a communion with Jesus Christ.  As the full time Campus Minister I am available to help CSA members deepen their understanding of their walk in faith in Christ.

A little about who I am.  I was ordained a priest on July 1, 2000, at the age of 32 after 10 years of study and formation.  I have received three degrees: an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and English from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, a Sacred Theology bachelors degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a Licentiate Degree in the Theology of Marriage and Family from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family at the Lateran University, also in Rome.  I was Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Church from 2000-2002 and taught 7th and 8th grade religion at St. Ignatius School.  I taught freshman to seniors at McGill-Toolen High School from 2004-2009.  I am also currently the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Mobile, since 2003.

I believe that the priesthood is a gift from God the Father to the world.  As a gift, I willingly offer my life as a witness and sacrifice for the faithful in the ministerial priesthood.  I believe fully in my priesthood and strive to utilize the full power of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faithful and their sanctification in preparation for Eternal Life.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community of faith for the past six years and I prayerfully hope and expect that this academic year, 2009-2010, will bring ever new graces upon all who come with a desire to know the Lord Jesus Christ!  With the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Angels and the Saints, may we serve Christ ever more perfectly.  May Jesus Christ be praised!