New postulant class welcomed with joy

Five faith-filled discerners were received into the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s postulancy program during a joyful prayer service at San Juan Diego Friary in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Aug. 26. Provincial Minister Br. Larry Hayes, OFM, led the service. Also present to welcome the men were Br. Gino Correa, OFM, director of the postulancy program; Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM, guardian of Holy Name College Fraternity in Silver Spring, Maryland; members of provincial leadership and the formation team; friars in residence, and local brothers. 

The postulants experienced Franciscan hospitality the previous weekend when they attended the solemn profession of five friars and the ordination of three at Holy Family Catholic Church in Albuquerque.  

“They felt very much a part of our brotherhood,” Br. Gino said.  

Postulancy, the initial stage of Franciscan formation, provides aspirants with the opportunity to explore Franciscan life through a residential program of preparation for formal acceptance into the Order. The postulancy program is an orientation to Franciscan community life and prayer, and includes ministry opportunities. 

Br. Larry, who led the prayer service, encouraged the postulants to trust God, each other and the friar community during this time of transition in their lives. “It was very personal,” Br. Gino said. “He spoke to each of the five by name and gave them very much a sense of how much we welcome them.”  

This was followed by the blessing of the Tau crosses, which were then presented to each postulant, representing the journey begun and never-ending. The crosses are also a reminder of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.”  

The men of the postulant class of 2025-26 hail from various backgrounds and experiences.  

Timothy Jones, 38, originally from New Jersey, has integrated his professional experience as a barber with his commitment to service. He has volunteered at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia and with the Missionary Sisters of Charity, offering free haircuts, meals and operational support. He is inspired by and strives to embody St. Francis’ values of simplicity, humility and love for creation. 

Alex Barrientos, 27, a warehouse associate from Baldwin, New York, is deeply drawn to the Franciscan way of life, particularly the example of St. Francis and St. Padre Pio. Alex has served his parish community in youth and young adult ministry and liturgy, helping to coordinate events throughout Long Island, New York. His physically active lifestyle matches his spiritual life. He enjoys martial arts, biking and exploring nature, finding in these activities a space for reflection and balance.  

Jason Stoodley, 39, worked as team lead at Walmart in Esperance, New York, and studied environmental biology in college, where he met both Conventual and Secular Franciscans who inspired his vocational discernment. He converted to Catholicism in 2004, and was drawn to the Franciscans’ emphasis on poverty, simplicity and care for the marginalized. His faith journey reflects a desire to live in close connection with God’s creation and the poor.  

Christopher Berry, 38, from Mascoutah, Illinois, is an aerospace engineer, military veteran and entrepreneur with a passion for mission and service. Introduced to the Franciscan tradition through his mother’s work at a Franciscan hospital, he resonated with its call to simplicity, community and purpose. Holding degrees in engineering and science, along with a certificate in contemporary apologetics, Christopher now seeks to align his skills with a life rooted in faith and service. 

David Rodriguez, 40, from Hurst, Texas, has worked as a restaurant manager, salon owner and operations director with a heart for faith and service. Though he has never belonged to a religious community, his call has been shaped by retreats, spiritual direction and time spent with Franciscan friars. He sees the Franciscan path as a way to live out the Gospel with authenticity. With a compassionate presence and a discerning heart, David is exploring the call to the priesthood within the Franciscan tradition. 

Following their reception ceremony, the postulants remained in the Southwest for several days, learning about the Franciscan presence and history in the area; visiting Franciscan parishes and ministries, including those among Native Americans; and meeting friars, who shared their faith journeys with the postulants. The men have since returned to Silver Spring, where, in the coming months, they will experience fraternal life, participate in various classes, engage in ministry opportunities and deepen their prayer lives.   

“The hope is for them to grow in their ability for discernment and self-reflection, really recognizing the life of fraternity that they believe they are called to,” Br. Gino said. “It’s a time to help them discover new things about themselves and how they relate to God and others within the context of fraternity. They’ll have the opportunity to learn how their deepest desires coincide with what God desires for them and whether that leads to life as a Franciscan.”   

For other men who may be discerning a call to friar life, Br. Gino said, “If you are really trying to decide if you’re called, know that you will experience a spirit of hospitality in any friar you encounter. You will be welcomed by men who love their lives and want to share God’s love with others.”   

Please pray for our postulants as they continue their discernment. 

Do you know someone who is being called to be a friar? If so, invite them to contact our vocations office.