Solemn professions and ordinations in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe (USA)

On August 22, 2026, eight friars professed solemn vows: Br. Tyler Grudi, OFM; Br. Kevin Hamzik, OFM; Br. Domingo Martinez, OFM; Br. Phillip McCarter, OFM; Br. Brian Menezes, OFM; Br. Joan “JP” Perez-Lombera, OFM; Br. Carlos Portillo, OFM; and Br. Nathaniel Tran, OFM.

The solemn profession celebration was presided over by Minister Provincial Br. Michael Perry, OFM. Reflecting on the meaning of his vows, Br. Phillip McCarter, OFM, said: “Our three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience really give me the freedom to be my authentic self. They free me from my own schemes and desires and allow me to be open to God’s will in my life. They help me become the person God created me to be.”

The newly professed will continue their respective paths of formation and service in different places and ministries of the Province: studies for the priesthood, theological studies, mission, social services, education, healthcare and pastoral ministry, among other areas.

One day earlier, on Aug. 21, nearly 100 friars, family members and friends took part in a bilingual Mass celebrated by Cardinal Robert McElroy, during which Br. Maikel Gómez Pérez, OFM, and Br. Joshua Richter, OFM, were ordained to the priesthood.

During his homily, Cardinal McElroy emphasized that their priesthood is intertwined with their Franciscan identity, lived in prayer, service, self-giving, and witness to peace and care for creation.

Br. Maikel, from Holguín, Cuba, said his call to serve others came from witnessing the suffering of the Cuban people. After reading about St. Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to join the Order. He also ministered to migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border and today ministers to the Latino and young adult communities at St. Peter Claver Parish in Macon, Georgia. After the ordination, he shared: “As a priest, I feel happy and fulfilled. In this new stage of my life, while still being a Friar Minor, God has given me this ministry so that I can be a bridge of unity and reconciliation between my brothers and sisters and God.”

In a letter of congratulations dated Aug. 22 in Karin, Croatia, Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, addressed the eight solemnly professed friars and the two newly ordained priests. In the message, he encouraged the brothers to give their definitive “yes” to the Lord’s call and to live their vocation as Friars Minor as a path of freedom, self-giving and mission. To the newly ordained, he recalled that the gift of the Spirit invoked during ordination should be continually renewed so that they may faithfully fulfill the ministry entrusted to them and become a living image of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

At the conclusion of the letter, Br. Massimo invoked the Seraphic Blessing upon the brothers and entrusted their lives and ministry to the protection of Holy Mary, Mother of God, and to the intercession of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, also expressing the joy of the entire Order together with the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe (USA).

Read the Minister General’s letter

Photos by Br. Octavio Duran, OFM