Franciscan storytellers earn national Catholic media award

A group of younger friars who share their lives, ministries and faith online have earned national recognition for the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

The province's Storytellers initiative received the Father John Catoir Award from the Catholic Media Association, which recognizes excellence in digital evangelization through social media. The award honors a collaborative effort that empowered younger friars to become authentic voices of the Gospel on Instagram (@friarsguadalupe), connecting with thousands of people through personal stories, reflections and glimpses into everyday Franciscan life. 

Launched in May 2025, the Storytellers initiative brought together younger friars from across the province to serve as content creators and digital missionaries. Under the leadership of social media manager Fanny Gomez-Diaz, Brothers Jason Damon, OFM, Ricky Ferrer, OFM, Tyler Harris, OFM, Jimmy Kernan, OFM, and Tony Luevano, OFM, share their experiences with ministry, community life and prayer through short-form videos, personal reflections and behind-the-scenes moments. 

The result is a team effort that showcases the joy of Franciscan life. By stepping in front of the camera and sharing their stories, the friars are creating opportunities for meaningful encounters with people who may never have met a friar in person.  

The initiative has resonated with members of Gen Z and millennials, nearly tripling the province’s Instagram audience and doubling the total monthly views in just 10 months. 

Judges praised both the campaign's audience engagement and its production quality. The videos produced by the storytellers in collaboration with videographer Danilo Vargas combine professional visual storytelling with an approachable style that makes spiritual topics relatable and accessible to contemporary audiences. 

The project's success also reflects the collaborative work of the province's communications team, which helps equip and support the friars as they develop their skills as digital storytellers. By working together, the friars and communications staff have created a model for evangelization for today's digital culture. 

The Catholic Media Association recognized the initiative as an example of how the Church can engage modern audiences through social media while remaining faithful to its mission. 

As the Storytellers initiative continues to grow, it shows that the Franciscan tradition of sharing the Gospel remains as relevant as ever. Friars are continuing to find new ways to connect with people and share the Good News. Follow along on Instagram at @friarsguadalupe, or connect with the province on Facebook and YouTube.