Pastoral Leadership

Interestingly, my arrival in the U.S. was a bit circuitous. I was “produced” in Jamaica, W.I. And “distributed” in Los Angeles, California. I am American born of Lebanese descent and the last of five children. My family relocated to Miami, Florida to be closer to family still in Jamaica. It was there that I spent the bulk of my life. I was very fortunate by the many sacrifices made by my parents to have received a Catholic education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Following high school, I attended the University of Miami where I received a B.A. in religion with a minor in chemistry. Afterwards, I began my medical school at St. George’s School of Medicine following the invasion of Grenada by the U.S. After a semester there, I came back to an affiliated program with Barry University in Miami where I completed up to 2 ½ years into medical school and earned a Master’s Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Following this, I transferred into the second year at the University of Miami Medical School where I graduated in 1988.

I married in 1987 and was blessed with three wonderful children!!! Following graduation, I entered private practice in Coral Springs, Florida and then spent the next 5-6 years practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine. In 1998, after missing one to many of my daughter’s soccer games, we relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where I took a position with a large Family/Pediatric practice. I remained with them for 18 years.

Unexpected life events altered my course. Subsequently, I discerned a call to priesthood. Six years later, I entered seminary in 2016. My years in seminary were exceedingly joyful and rich. I completed my Masters of Divinity in 2020 and was ordained on June 20 of that year. I have been overwhelmed by the privilege and blessing to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ. 

Father Anthony