New Pastor Comes to Holy Family Church in South Pasadena

After completing his five-year term as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for Archdiocese of L.A., Msgr. Albert Bahhuth took a one year sabbatical. On July 1, 2021, Msgr. Bahhuth will assume his responsibilities at Holy Family in South Pasadena.

By Kate Bartlett

It is an understatement to say that Fr. Albert has an interesting background! He was born the youngest of seven in Beirut, Lebanon in 1956 and raised in the Greek Catholic Church.  The civil war in Lebanon forced him to complete a bachelor’s degree and subsequent Master and Doctorate degrees in chemical engineering in the United States, followed by university teaching. He moved to California in 1984 to work in retail and fast-food businesses, including ownership of a Subway franchise.

When Fr. Albert moved to California, he joined St. John Vianney parish in Hacienda Heights. It was here that he reflected on his purpose in life; his interest in a vocation emerged, with the encouragement of parishioners. Fr. Albert was ordained in 1996 and thereafter served as associate pastor and pastor at four churches before serving as Moderator of the Curia/Vicar General for the Archdiocese.

Parish Life Director, Cambria Tortorelli, announced Fr. Albert’s appointment to Holy Family parishioners and friends; Tortorelli has served Holy Family for 12 years. In her announcement, Tortorelli stated, “I have had the pleasure of working with Fr. Albert on the Board of Trustees of St. John’s Seminary, on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and as Vicar General over the past 14 years.  I am thrilled that Holy Family will be in such good hands as I transition out of my role as Parish Life Director.”