I would like to take a few moments to introduce myself to you as your Associate Pastor. My name is Cesar Alejandro Anicama. My family refers to me as Alejandro because of other Cesars in the family. I would like to go by the English version of Alejandro: Alex for short.
I was born and grew up in Peru, South America. The possibility of becoming a Catholic priest has been on my heart since I was a child. Growing up, I was very active my parish and served at the altar. I began to encounter many holy priests throughout this time. It was beneficial to hear about their experiences of the missions of the priests of Jefferson City, MO in the country of Peru. When I was 18, I entered the seminary in Peru. Following the example of the priests of Jefferson City diocese who worked and served the missions in Peru for so many years. I have come to the idea of being a priest like them because I appreciated them for everything they did for Peru, and I would like to do the same priceless work.
I joined the Diocese of Jefferson City in 2011 and I was sent to Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, where I studied at the English Language Program because Spanish is my first language. Then I entered Kenrick Glennon Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) and obtained my Master of Divinity Degree in 2015. In that same year, I was ordained by Bishop John Gaydos at the Cathedral of St Joseph (Jefferson City, MO).
I have been ordained a priest for eight years for the Diocese of Jefferson City. I have been blessed to serve as the Associate Pastor in St Peter Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception parish in Jefferson City, MO.
I had been serving in these parishes in Jefferson City since my priestly ordination in 2015. After considerable prayer and discernment, I asked Bishop W. Shawn McKnight for permission to join the society of missionary priests in Peru while remaining a priest of this diocese. The bishop granted my request. After spending three years as a missionary priest in Peru, I came to the United States in 2022 and went to serve as the Parochial Vicar for Saint Vincent de Paul parish in Sedalia, MO.
In conclusion, I have felt God calling me to be a Catholic priest from my childhood and continue to hear that call. It has been accompanied by experiences and people who have supported my calling to the priesthood.
I look forward to serving with you as we grow in love of God and love of neighbor. We can work together and help each other come closer to Our Merciful Lord.
St John Vianney says: “The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to himself. He is not for himself; he is for you… The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus”.