About Us » Rector
Fr. Tony Vilano
As a member of an Air Force Family, Fr. Vilano lived many places around the world and across the country, but calls San Antonio home. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UTSA, attended Assumption Seminary, and received his Masters of Divinity from Oblate School of Theology.
His priestly ministry began at Notre Dame in Kerrville. He also served as pastor at St. Rose of Lima in Charlotte and Tilden, St. Mary's in Fredericksburg and St. Ann's in La Vernia.
While serving as pastor of St. Mary's he helped give new life and a bright future to their Catholic school, increasing student enrollment four consecutive years and conducting a successful $4.5 million capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art gymnasium and community center.
In 2007, Fr. Vilano was appointed Director of Clergy and Consecrated Life with the Archdiocese in San Antonio and in June 2008 Rector of San Fernando Cathedral. Archbishop Gomez stated "his ability to bring people together, developing in them a sense of unity and purpose, will be invaluable as he works with the people of San Fernando, while recognizing their authentic love for God and Church. These great gifts, I believe, will serve him well as he begins his new ministry as Rector."
As Fr. Vilano reflects on his various ministries, he said "The assignments I have served have helped me in my formation as a Priest in the Archdiocese. I learned the importance of investing my time to formulate a homily for weekday and weekend Masses that help the people I serve to understand the Word of God more clearly and apply it to their lives. Working for the Department of Clergy and Consecrated Life has taught me the hard work that our clergy do in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. They continually give unselfishly to the people and the church they are serving. They are my heroes."
