Father Joseph A. Grasso, CPpS, has been selected as the new principal of Aquinas Institute in Rochester.
Father Grasso replaces Sally Cardilli, who has served as principal for the past two years, and who will be retiring from the position at the end of June.
Father Grasso will be the first priest to be principal at Aquinas in seven years. The last such principal was Father Albert R. Gaelens, CSB. Since 1998, Father Grasso has served as principal of Brighton’s Siena Catholic Academy, a junior high operated by the Diocese of Rochester.
Father Grasso was ordained to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1991. Although he is not a Basilian, he is familiar with Basilian traditions, according to Aquinas. Among his former positions was the chaplaincy of St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, a Basilian institution, from 1994-95. Father Grasso “strongly believes in the Basilian tradition of teaching students goodness, discipline and knowledge, and he is looking forward to supporting and reinforcing these traditions at Aquinas,” the statement said.
Father Grasso noted that he is looking forward to leading Aquinas.
“I have great respect for the Basilian Fathers in how they have had such a wonderful influence on so many young men and women throughout the years,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of the Basilian Fathers at Aquinas.”
Michael R. Daley, Aquinas president, praised the priest.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he will be an outstanding role model and leader for the young men and women of Aquinas for many years to come,” he said.
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