Reverend Father Anthony J. Cekada RIP
Father Anthony Cekada
Father Anthony J. Cekada (July 18, 1951 – September 11, 2020) was a highly respected American sedevacantist Catholic priest, author, and educator. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the service of the Church and the spiritual well-being of souls. His profound knowledge, unwavering faith, and commitment to traditional Catholic teachings made him a beloved figure among those who sought guidance and inspiration.
Born into a Slovenian-Italian family in La Jolla, California, on July 18, 1951, Father Cekada was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the transformative 1960s. He was privileged to experience a true Catholic upbringing, receiving daily High Mass and a solid doctrinal education from the Dominican Sisters. These formative years instilled in him a deep love for the faith and a desire to defend it.
At the age of fourteen, Father Cekada enrolled in De Sales Prep or Minor Seminary in Milwaukee, where he not only pursued his passion for music but also began to study the organ and compose liturgical music. He quickly excelled in these areas, becoming a talented musician and orchestrator. Simultaneously, he embarked on studies at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music under the renowned Michael Hammond, further honing his musical abilities.
Father Cekada's hunger for knowledge was insatiable, and he tirelessly taught himself various disciplines throughout his life. He served as a seminary professor for over forty years, sharing his expertise in music, chant, Sacred Liturgy, Psalms, and Canon Law. Additionally, he took on the responsibility of church accounting when no one else could, and he taught himself liturgical rubrics to ensure the proper celebration of pontifical ceremonies.
Known for his devotion to young people, Father Cekada gladly answered their inquiries and offered guidance on matters of faith and vocations. He had a special ability to connect with the youth and made countless sacrifices to nurture their spiritual growth.
Father Cekada was an accomplished author, producing a body of work encompassing theology, liturgy, and traditionalist controversies. His insightful publications included a new translation and commentary on The Ottaviani Intervention, a crucial document in the history of the traditionalist movement. Another notable work, The Problems with the Prayers of the Modern Mass, translated into multiple languages, presented a comprehensive argument against the omissions of Catholic doctrine in the 1969 Roman Missal.
His magnum opus, Work of Human Hands: A Theological Critique of the Mass of Paul VI, is a thorough 468-page examination of the post-Vatican II liturgical reform. In this influential book, Father Cekada expounded on the permissibility of "irrelevance" in the new rite and its impact on Catholic doctrine, particularly the Real Presence.
Father Cekada's contributions extended beyond the written word. He embraced modern media platforms, such as YouTube, to deliver traditional Catholic teachings, delighting, edifying, and educating audiences with his signature sense of humor.
Father Cekada's life and forty-three years of priesthood were characterized by his profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. His self-discipline, devotion, erudition, and humility won him respect and admiration from both friends and opponents alike. His enduring legacy as an exceptional teacher and spiritual guide is a testament to the profound change that one dedicated individual can make.
As we mourn his passing, let us remember Father Anthony J. Cekada for his unwavering commitment to teaching the Catholic faith, especially to the youth. His tireless efforts and remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the Church and the souls he served. May he rest in peace, knowing that his works continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Courses featuring Reverend Father Anthony J. Cekada:
Work of Human Hands
Clerical Conversations
The Anti-Modernist Reader
Trad Controversies
