By Anthony Richards
Father Alberto Esposito, affectionately known as Father Al, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood and Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville will hold a special celebration for him to commemorate the occasion Friday, May 1.
The celebration will include a special Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by a short but special musical program and parish dinner.
Father Esposito, a classically trained violinist, loves music of all types, and the program will feature several different songs that are parish favorites, as parishioners hope to show their appreciation and love for their pastor.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree in music from Yale University, he began his professional music career and the call to the priesthood became continually stronger.
He responded to the call and entered Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in 1995 and was ordained a priest in the Diocese of St. Augustine by Bishop John J. Snyder in 2001.
His first assignment as a priest was at Queen of Peace before serving as parochial vicar at San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville and pastor at Santa Maria del Mar in Flagler Beach.
However, eight years ago he returned to Queen of Peace appointed as its pastor.
“When he came back, it’s like he was back home after 15 years,” said Glen Vassou, Queen of Peace parish administrator.
Vassou first met Father Esposito during his first stint at Queen of Peace and the two never lost touch and picked up right where they left off decades later.
“The beauty is that he’s never changed who he is,” Vassou said. He is still that passionate, caring and joyful personality he has always had. He’s one of those people that as soon as you get to know him, you’re now friends for life, and people are drawn to that.”
According to Vassou, the Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) program, which is a spiritual renewal weekend designed for Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as many Bible studies have been created since Father Esposito returned eight years ago. The construction of a new family life center has also taken place during that time.
