William Joseph Cardinal Levada (born June 15, 1936) graduated from St. Anthony High School as a member of the Class of 1954. He was ordained a priest on December 20, 1961 by Archbishop Martin John O'Connor, rector of the Pontifical North American College, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. In 1971 he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology, Magna Cum Laude, from the North American College in Rome.
He received the honor of Monsignor in the early 70’s. He was consecrated an Auxiliary Bishop for Los Angeles in 1983 by Cardinal Timothy Manning. He served the Santa Barbara Region in addition to being named Chancellor and Archdiocesan Moderator of the Curia. His episcopal appointments included Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI named Levada as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a post previously held by the Pope himself. He was appointed to the College of Cardinals by the pope at a Consistory at the Vatican in March of 2006 where he received his Red Biretta and Zucchetto, traditional symbols worn by a Cardinal. The ceremony was attended by a large contingent of St. Anthony alumni and friends.
Cardinal Levada has been a loyal friend and longtime supporter of his alma mater. In November of 2006 he visited the campus to bless our new chapel and speak to our students who warmly welcomed him with a school wide assembly attended by many local dignitaries, alumni and friends.
Cardinal Levada’s sister, Dolores Levada Sartain, who passed away in May of 2007, was married to Jim Sartain who is a member of the SAHS Class of 1950. The Cardinal’s two nieces, Julianne and Stephanie, are alumnae of SA, graduating in 1983 and 1986 respectively. Brother-in-law, Jim, served as his “altar boy” at his first Mass in 1961 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome! The entire family continues to be actively involved with SAHS on many levels.
We thank them for their gifts of friendship and loyalty through the years and join them in asking God’s continued blessings upon the Cardinal.
CONGRATULATIONS YOUR EMINENCE
From all the St. Anthony High School Community of Saints!