Native son ordained priest for Arlington

A native son of the Diocese of Sioux City was ordained a priest June 6 for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

Father Alex Solsma, a 2007 graduate of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, was one of seven transitional deacons to be ordained to the priesthood at Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

He was ordained by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in a Mass that was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia Christopher R. Cooke, and Msgr. Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, permanent observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States.

In his homily, Bishop Burbidge said they gathered “in faith and with great joy on this blessed day where through the imposition of hands and the prayer of ordination, and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, these seven deacons – your sons and grandsons, family members and friends – will be ordained our newest priests.”

Having just received Pope Leo’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” the bishop said they were being ordained at an exciting time in the church. It also comes at a time when the U.S. bishops are about to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and as preparations are being made for the canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

“Pope Leo speaks of the magnificence of humanity, reminding us of the inherent dignity that is ours for we are created in the very image and likeness of God,” said Bishop Burbidge.
He told the seven men “to never tire of preaching the Gospel of life and reminding those you serve, especially our young people, that they are truly God’s beloved sons and daughters. And that all of human life at every stage must be celebrated and protected.”
Father Alex Solsma, Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School alumnus, at his priestly ordination in Arlington, Virginia. The bishop pointed out that Pope Leo also wrote about the world which the priests are being sent to serve – warning about the potential dehumanizing of humanity and falsehoods that can come through technology and AI. 
“The Holy Father says to you and all of us that we cannot just be spectators or commentators on what is crumbling. Instead, Pope Leo says we must be willing to enter into the construction sites of history,” said Bishop Burbidge. “To rebuild what has collapsed and protect what is strength.” 

The bishop asked the men to “have no fear” as God was with them. Through their priestly ministry, he told them they would participate in the work of rebuilding.

“I know you will not be overwhelmed in hearing of all that is expected of you because I know you will continue to turn always to God – to rely on his grace and the help and prayers of our Blessed Mother so that you can be the priests he calls you to be,” he said. 

By the grace of God, he stressed, the Catholic Church is prepared for this moment.
The son of Jim and Kelli Solsma, the new priest is a 2011 graduate of the University of Iowa.
It was a job opportunity as the director of communications at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria that brought him to Virginia.

In 2021, he pursued seminary studies and attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Father Solsma celebrated his first Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary on June 7, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

CLICK HERE for a link to the ordination Mass.

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