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Fr. Alexander Rivera

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Science and faith

Father Alex Rivera, 29, was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but grew up in Miami. The oldest of four siblings, he graduated from Our Lady of the Lakes School in Miami Lakes and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. His family —Peruvian mom, Puerto Rican dad — have always been involved in the Church, and the thought of priesthood occurred to him at first in middle school.

But he also felt called to medicine, and got a full academic scholarship to Duke University in North Carolina. His first year there, “I really started feeling very strongly that desire to priesthood.” His thought: “There are plenty of people who want to be doctors but I haven’t met any who want to be priests.”

He spoke with his pastor about it, the late Father James Murphy of Our Lady of the Lakes. Father Murphy suggested he finish his bachelor’s degree and then consider the seminary. So he returned to Miami and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from FIU while getting more involved in his parish. He finds it ironic that his stint at Duke convinced him of his vocation.

“I had to go back to where I was born, to North Carolina, to realize what the Lord wanted,” he said. “There was a lot of worry before. Am I doing the right thing? But when I said yes, there was such peace.”

He noted that Father Murphy offered “very good advice” in suggesting he continue his studies in biology. Along with everything French, it remains a passion in his life. He sees no dichotomy between science and faith.

“Contemplating nature and creation is like watching the mind of God at work. That can be prayer,” Father Rivera said.

Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Alexander Rivera, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.

His first assignment was to Epiphany in Miami.

Watch his video interview here:

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