The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Bishop Dennis Walsh will ordain Alfonso Pizano Jr. to the diaconate Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
A California native, the 46-year-old said inspiration for his calling to the priesthood grew from his Catholic schools education, altar serving and his interaction with the Salesian sisters. He graduated from Mount St. Mary University in Los Angeles with a BA in education. He taught in various Catholic schools before resuming studies in the seminary.
Pizano said he felt drawn to Jesuit spirituality and completed his MA in elementary education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. While at Loyola, he joined the Jesuits, spending six years with them. He completed coursework toward an MA in philosophy at Fordham University, New York.
He took a leave from the Jesuits and later resumed discernment in religious life with the Priests of the Sacred Heart. After completing his candidacy and approval to join their novitiate, he felt a call to diocesan priesthood. He arrived in the Diocese of Davenport in 2023 and took a transformative pastoral year at Divine Mercy Parish in Burlington/West Burlington. He also taught Spanish at Notre Dame High School in Burlington. He began studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin where he is studying for his M.Div. in theology.
“Looking ahead, I am eager to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Davenport, nurturing faith through preaching, teaching and sacramental ministry. I am especially grateful and hopeful as I anticipate completing my seminary studies and preparing for my ordination. My deepest desire is to lead others to Christ and foster a vibrant community of believers.”
God-willing, Pizano’s ordination to the priesthood is set for June 6, 2026.
Streaming (Aug. 2 @ 10am CDT of ordination to diaconate on Sacred Heart Cathedral YouTube
