Former rear admiral heads Catholic theological school

Published: 2006-07-18

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- After wearing a Navy uniform for the past quarter-century, Franciscan Father Louis V. Iasiello is returning to civilian life as president of the Washington Theological Union, a ministry formation institution. "I can't think of any other task, any other mission, any other apostolate which is more important for the church than preparing people for ministry in the 21st century," the 55-year-old former chief of Navy chaplains told Catholic News Service July 17, a few days after he took up his new post. "So for me to be here, to be part of that formation of individuals, to be part of that training and education, is a great blessing," he said. Father Iasiello -- he pronounces his last name eye-ah-SELL-o -- joined the Franciscans in 1973 and was ordained in 1978. He became a Navy Reserve chaplain in 1981 and went on active duty from 1983 until this summer, when he retired with the rank of rear admiral. On June 23 he received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, awarded by President George W. Bush.

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