Friar honored for shaping generations of mission doctors

For decades, Catholic doctors have embarked on missions driven by a sense of purpose that carries them beyond the comfortable borders of their neighborhoods and towns. Along the way, they have found guides who have shaped how — and why — they serve in the world’s most impoverished places. 

One such guide was recently honored. Br. John Kiesler, OFM, of Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California, received the Msgr. Anthony Brouwers Award in recognition of his longstanding service to the Mission Doctors Association, where he has provided leadership, formation and encouragement to missionaries and their families. 

Through his devotion, insightful teaching and compassionate presence, Br. John has inspired generations to venture into the world’s most vulnerable communities with Franciscan hearts. His legacy has touched countless lives, strengthening the ministry of those committed to healing and service across the globe. 

Accepting the award, Br. John deflected attention from himself and instead expressed gratitude for his Franciscan brothers who accompanied him. 

“I’m really unworthy of this honor, but I thank you, and I thank my friar brothers who came all the way here from San Diego and Oceanside,” Br. John said in his acceptance speech. 

Several friars, including Brothers Joe Chinnici, OFM, Raul Diaz, OFM, Michael Doherty, OFM, Ignatius Harding, OFM, and Richard Juzix, OFM, attended the Mission Doctors Association award ceremony Feb. 14 at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral Plaza in Los Angeles to support their brother. 

“We were happy to stand with Br. John in this public forum,” Br. Ignatius said. “And we, too, recognize his contribution to our lives and mission.” 

‘An honor to recognize Br. John’

For more than 25 years, Br. John has helped prepare Catholic physicians and their families for long‑term mission work that extends well beyond exam and operating rooms. Through the Mission Doctors Association’s four‑month residential formation program, candidates live, pray and study together before beginning three‑year assignments at Church‑run hospitals and clinics in underserved regions. 

“Our lives are stories, from beginning to end,” Br. John said. “It’s unpredictable, sometimes uncertain. In our lives, we look for models – other types of stories that help us understand ourselves and others. We look to the Bible, the Church, to Jesus, in joyful times and in difficult times, to understand ourselves.” 

According to Mission Doctors Association Executive Director Elise Frederick, Br. John’s influence has shaped generations of missionaries. 

“It has been an honor to recognize Br. John, who has shared these gifts and more with MDA for more than two decades,” Frederick said. 

Fellow friars say Br. John provides a theological foundation that helps missionaries reflect deeply on culture, vocation and the Church’s healing mission. That mission remains vital as global health leaders warn of a projected shortfall of nearly 11 million health workers by 2030, largely in low‑ and middle‑income countries. 

Over decades of teaching, his classroom became a kind of launch pad. Br. John nurtured the spiritual and ethical formation of Catholic medical professionals preparing for years of service abroad — work that multiplied far beyond any single hospital or country. 

Br. John graduated with honors in political science and philosophy from California State College San Bernardino in 1975 and later earned doctorates in theology from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley and in missiology from Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen in the Netherlands, completing his studies in Dutch. 

‘A true gift’

“This award is only a small recognition of his many years of personal presence, hard work, intelligent presentation, patience, humility and sensitive heart,” Br. Joe said. “This is no small gift he has shared with us – and his gift continues to be multiplied in all the people he has touched.” 

That impact was evident as doctors and missionaries from several countries sent video messages acknowledging Br. John’s role in their formation and his expertise in mission theology. 

“John gave them a true gift, helping them build up the kingdom of God together,” Br. Richard said. “It was a joy to see him moving among the more than 100 people gathered — like a happy grandfather at a family reunion, proud to be part of their lives.” 

Br. John said it is only through small works that this dream can continue. 

“People, regardless of who they are, deserve to be treated like people – with respect,” he said.