Salesian Past Pupil Ordained a Priest

By Fr. Kenneth Shaw, SDB

(Stony Point, NY – June 17) – Fr. Alfredo Tuesta, a Salesian past pupil, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Arlington, VA, on Saturday, June 7.

Fr. Alfredo entered the United States at the age of ten from Peru. He enrolled at St. Anthony’s Church in Paterson, NJ, and St. Anthony’s School in the fifth grade.

Thought was given to setting him back to the fourth grade. But with the help of the Salesian Sisters, he stayed every day after school to learn English and remained in the fifth grade. He also thrived as a student and ended his time at St. Anthony School as the valedictorian for his eighth-grade graduation.

Fr. Alfredo went on to attend Don Bosco Tech (DBT) in Paterson, NJ. According to his teachers, he excelled there academically and spiritually.

As he completed his third year at DBT, the school closed. Fr. Alfredo insisted on remaining with the Salesians. As a result, he traveled every day to Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ, to complete his high school education.

After he graduated from Don Bosco Prep, Fr. Alfredo attended the University of Notre Dame for his undergraduate degree. Then he went on to Purdue University, where he obtained a PhD in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, Alfredo was employed by the Navy Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

After a few years of discernment, Alfredo entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. At his ordination this month, there was a beautiful showing of support.

Learn more about Fr. Alfredo and stay tuned for a future, in-depth interview with him.