Welcome

As a member of an Air Force family, Fr. Tony lived in many places around the world, but he calls San Antonio home. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UTSA, a Master of Divinity from Oblate School of Theology, and completed his Licentiate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He was ordained on May 17, 1996 and began his priestly ministry at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville. He also served as pastor at St. Rose of Lima in Charlotte and Tilden, St. Mary’s in Fredericksburg, St. Francis Xavier in Stonewall, 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.

Fr. Tony was appointed to the San Fernando Cathedral in June 2008. Upon his assignment, Archbishop Jose H. 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.” During his time at the Cathedral, Archbishop Gomez appointed Fr. Tony as the Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life of the Archdiocese. After Fr. Tony earned his Licentiate in Canon Law in 2013, Archbishop, Gustavo Garcia-Siller appointed Fr. Tony to the Tribunal Office for the Archdiocese where he continues to assist today. The Archbishop assigned Fr. Tony as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi effective July 1, 2016.

“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.” 

I am Fr. Tomichan Moonnanappillil, MSFS (Fr. Tom) a priest of the Religious Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales (MSFS). I was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as the parochial vicar beginning on July 1, 2020.

The Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, known as “Fransalians,” is an international Congregation of Latin Rite, founded on October 24, 1838, in Annecy, France by Servant of God, Peter Marie Mermier. The primary patron of the Congregation is St. Francis de Sales, and the secondary patroness is Mother of Compassion (Mother of Sorrows). Our Congregation’s spirituality is “Salesian,” and we belong to the Salesian family though our particular identity is as “Fransalians.” Our Congregation’s apostolate is parish mission, foreign mission, education, evangelization, and innovative ministries. The Congregation is currently involved actively in pastoral ministry in 33 Countries across 7 Continents of the world. Besides Asia, Africa is one of the continents where our missions in 10 countries thrive in the field of evangelization, education, and several other social interventions. The Generalate (headquarters) of our Congregation is in Rome, Italy.

The Fransalians have been serving the Church in the United States since 1969, beginning with the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia. There are 23 Arch/Dioceses in 14 states of the U.S., where the Fransalians are currently engaged in pastoral ministry in different areas of our apostolate. There are 72 Fransalian priests presently working in the United States in various capacities. Our Provincial House is located at 3887 Rosebud Road, Loganville-Atlanta, Georgia 30052-4656. I have five of my confreres serving in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

I was born and raised in Kerala, in the Southwest of India. However, I joined the Northeast India province of the MSFS. After my ordination in January 1999, I served around thirteen years in Northeast India as a priest in various capacities. Primarily, I have been a pastor and educator. I served as an associate pastor in a mission parish before serving as a pastor in two churches and as principal of schools in three schools in the region. I have also served on the provincial administrative team as the counselor in charge of the Education forum for three years. I was sent to the United States in 2012 to do studies in Counseling in view of helping in the formation of the future priests in our Congregation. I came to New York and served as a parochial vicar and completed my Master’s in Family Therapy from IONA College New Rochelle. Currently, I am pursuing my Doctoral studies in Counseling Education and Supervision at St. Mary’s University here in San Antonio, Texas. I have been here in San Antonio since January 2017. While living in San Antonio, I have been serving at the Assumption Seminary in the Archdiocese of San Antonio as a formator and spiritual director, although I had served at San Fernando Cathedral for a year in between.

“I am so glad and feel privileged to be here at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. I am already experiencing the hospitality of Fr. Tony Vilano, the pastor, and the office staff at St. Francis. I am looking forward to meeting you all and get to know you more when we are through this pandemic. Until then, stay safe, and God bless you all.”

Sister Rose has served as Pastoral Associate since June 2009. Her job is comprehensive, relating to all aspects of parish life. She collaborates with the leadership team in administration, spiritual life and worship, education, pastoral services, strategic planning and mission effectiveness. Sister Rose enjoys identifying ways to build on our parish strengths to create more opportunities to know, love and serve God and our neighbors. She is an enthusiastic contributor of ideas for growth in our parish.

Sister Rose earned a MS in Management and Organizational Behavior at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, a Masters in Theological Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a Masters in Education from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.

When she’s not at St. Francis of Assisi, Sister Rose spends time with her religious community, the Sisters of Divine Providence, sees movies, attends workshops and classes (yes, she is a continuous learner), and searches for innovative, best practices in organizational life.

“I love the opportunity to collaborate with others in celebrating the vibrant, participative parish community of St. Francis of Assisi. And my favorite activity is the witnessing of so many conversion experiences that come from RCIA, ACTS retreats, our liturgies and every day conversations that lead to real change in individuals and families. I love the people of St. Francis!”

Larry Perry has served as Director of Faith Formation Ministries since July 2015. In this role, he leads the faith formation staff and volunteers. In addition, Larry is responsible for the adult and young adult faith formation programs and offerings, including our parish missions, Small Church Communities, reconciliation services, and liturgical planning. He loves being a life-long learner in theology, scripture, and spirituality as well as developing and teaching classes for our adults and young adults. He has served as a member of the RCIA team for more than 25 years and has assisted numerous ACTS retreat teams as a team member and as the spiritual companion.

Larry holds a Master of Divinity degree from Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. He also holds a diploma in theology from St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland and a diploma in philosophy and theology from St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. In addition to his work on the faith formation staff, Larry serves as a member of the teaching staff for the ACTS Spiritual Companion Formation Program at Oblate School of Theology.

When not at St. Francis, Larry enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, working out, and playing golf.

“What a great privilege and pleasure it is to serve the community of St. Francis as Director of Faith Formation Ministries. I cannot think of a more gratifying or fulfilling work to which I could give my time and energy.”

Monica began serving in youth ministry at St. Francis of Assisi in September 2001 when she volunteered to be a core member for Life Teen. She joined the staff in June 2004 and currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry. She is responsible for coordinating activities for middle school youth, high school teens, and college-age young adults that provide opportunities to grow in their faith and to put it into action. The focus of youth ministry is evangelization and participation in the strong Sacramental life and beliefs of the Catholic Church.

Monica earned a B.B.A. in Human Resource Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. This background has helped her in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. She is also a Certified Trainer for Life Teen and serves as the Texas Area Coordinator for Life Teen which allows her to meet and pray with youth ministers around the state.

When Monica is not at the parish, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Tom. They were married at St. Francis in 1998 when Henke Hall was our church sanctuary. They have a fur baby named Bailey whom they spoil with doggie toys, hugs, and kisses.

He must increase, I must decrease. (John 3:30) “I love spreading God’s love to everyone I cross paths with, and I have a passion for youth ministry. Above all, my joy comes from Christ, and I am blessed to be able to do what I do as my job!”

Miriam has served as the coordinator for Elementary Faith Formation since May 2008. Miriam’s role as coordinator is to assist parents in forming their young children in the Catholic faith. Miriam recruits and trains catechists, oversees the instruction of an approved Catholic curriculum, and leads the Sacrament Preparation process for Reconciliation and Eucharist. She finds great joy working closely with parents, children and catechists.

Miriam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Rice University in Houston. She is a level 1 Certified Catechist in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and is a certified teacher in the state of Texas. Miriam continues to advance her knowledge in the field of catechesis through regular professional development opportunities.

When Miriam is away from St. Francis she is enjoying family life with her husband Andy and their four children. Miriam enjoys cooking and loves running into St. Francis parishioners at HEB. Her current hobbies include watching her three girls perform in dance and chasing her toddler son around.

“My job is a natural fit for me! I am passionate about my faith and enjoy every moment of sharing it with children and adults.”

Vonique, also known as Nikki, has served as Bookkeeper since January 2015. Her role is vital in the responsibility for handling the fundamental aspects of our parish’s financial recordkeeping. Vonique enjoys working analytically to better serve our community with our treasures. She promotes the use of monetary support as a resource to live out God’s mission.

Vonique earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from Texas A&M University—Kingsville. She acclaims her highest honor as being a baptized Catholic. She continues to be revived in His light and summoned with the fire of His spirit.

Vonique recently married her husband, Rony. She enjoys dancing, singing and watching stage plays. With her husband, she plans on beginning a high school/young adult ministry to spread the Word of God. Maybe one day open up a missionary camp.

“I enjoy working for a parish that is always eager to know, love and serve Christ in a more profound way! I am blessed to be able to be a vessel of God’s love in this vibrant community.”

Kenneth joined the parish staff as Administrative Assistant in October 2015. In September 2016, he was appointed Director of Communication. His job exists to encourage participation in parish life, a goal accomplished by promoting respective opportunities through diverse print and digital media.

Kenneth earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Communication and a minor in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio. Throughout his four years at Trinity, Kenneth advanced on the university’s newspaper staff, starting as a reporter and graduating as an editor.

When he is not at St. Francis of Assisi, Kenneth enjoys playing tennis and hiking. You can usually find him at the movie theater whenever the newest blockbuster premieres. He also likes hanging out with friends or relaxing with a good book.

“I love making connections with everyone who walks into the parish office. Everyone at St. Francis is so welcoming, and I hope to pass along that warm, inviting attitude to everyone who visits our parish.”

Natalie joined the parish staff as Administrative Assistant in February 2016. In addition to her administrative skills, Natalie brings a professional, welcoming presence to our office. Natalie is a proud San Antonio native who loves arts and crafts. She also loves dogs, and she enjoys traveling.

“My favorite part of working at St. Francis is the wonderful people I have met here. I am constantly amazed by how active our ministries and organizations are.” 

Bianca has worked at St. Francis of Assisi as an administrative assistant since June 2016. She started off part-time and made the transition to full-time in late September 2016. In the summer of 2017, she left for a year of service in the Philadelphia-area with Franciscan Volunteers – No Risk, No Gain. She returned to the St. Francis staff in the summer of 2018. She helps schedule baptisms, maintains the sacramental records, and makes sure the parishioner database is updated and correct.

Bianca earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She plans to go back to school to earn her Master’s degree. Bianca is very passionate about justice and strives to live her life with God at the center guiding her where she needs to be.

When she is not at St. Francis of Assisi, Bianca loves to go thrift shopping. You can also find her sleeping, crocheting, reading, and binge-watching shows on Netflix. She also likes to travel and learn new instruments. So far, she has basic knowledge of the piano, ukulele, and recorder.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at St. Francis of Assisi. I feel as though God has guided me here, and I’m very excited to be working for such a wonderful community. I am thrilled to learn more about parish life and about each parishioner who walks through the door.” 

Charles joined our parish staff in October 2019. He has built up skills and knowledge through his previous work experience that make him extremely qualified for this position.

He and his wife, Jacqueline, have three boys and have been parishioners of St. Francis since 2006. Charles is a member of Knights of Columbus Council 15240, St. Francis CYO Athletic Director, an altar server, and a member of our ACTS community.

“I feel like everything I have worked toward has brought me to this position. I am so happy to be working here.” 

Orlando Vera recently relocated to San Antonio from Denton, Texas and joined the St. Francis of Assisi staff in November 2022. He has served in Church music ministry for over 20 years, most recently as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Francis of Assisi in Grapevine and Director of Music at St. Peter’s in Lindsay.

Principally a singer, Orlando has performed as a recitalist and concert soloist in the U.S. and abroad and has performed leading roles in many opera productions. His undergraduate study at the University of North Texas College of Music focused on flute and piano, and his graduate study was in Voice and Opera Performance at Ball State University and the University of North Texas.

Orlando has maintained a private studio and enjoys working with students of all ages. His particular areas of specialty are in vocal pedagogy, early music, and sacred music. Orlando is originally from Lamesa, Texas and enjoys traveling, supporting the arts, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of his cats, Millie, Rooty, and Tooty.