I was born in Guatemala City but raised in Moyuta, Jutiapa, Guatemala, a small town on the slopes of a volcano surrounded by coffee plantations and a strong sense of community. Faith and family life were deeply connected there, and many of my earliest memories are tied to the Church.
My first steps toward God came through my grandmother, Manuela de Jesús. She taught me that faith is lived through small and concrete acts of love. She would take me to Mass, pray the rosary with me, and visit the sick in our community. Through her example, the seeds of my vocation were planted.
As a child, I served as an acolyte, sang in the choir, and found joy in being close to the altar. The Franciscans were also part of my story from the beginning. Fr. Ottaviano Battolini, OFM, was the missionary who baptized me and guided my parish community for many years. I admired the simplicity of his life and the closeness he shared with the people around him.
Later, I encountered that same Franciscan spirit again through Valle de los Ángeles orphanage, where I saw friars living with joy, fraternity, and love for the poor. That experience helped me recognize more clearly where God was calling me.
A Province rooted in Guatemala
The Province of the Immaculate Conception has a long history in Guatemala, including in my own parish community. During my philosophy studies, I met friars and postulants from the Province and felt immediately connected to their missionary spirit and openness to others.
What inspires me most about St. Francis is his humility and love for the poor. His example reminds me that freedom comes from living simply, trusting God, and serving others.
I was blessed to grow up in a loving and faith-filled family. My parents taught me to trust God and care for others, and my siblings shared every stage of my journey. When I told my family about my vocation, they responded with tears, joy, and support. Their encouragement continues to strengthen me today.
Learning trust through formation
I professed my first vows on August 30, 2025, and I am currently continuing my formation in Rome as a temporarily professed brother.
One of the greatest challenges of formation has been learning to let go of my own plans and trust God more completely. Living in new cultures and adapting to different languages has also required patience and openness.
What helps me through those moments is prayer, spiritual direction, and fraternity. Living alongside my brothers has taught me that formation is not something we do alone.
I find joy in the simple moments of Franciscan life: prayer in the chapel, conversations with my brothers, shared meals, and moments of laughter together. These experiences remind me that God is present in everyday life.
The generosity of our benefactors also plays an important role in this journey. Their support allows me and many other friars in formation to continue studying and preparing for lives of service without worrying about material needs.
To all who support our formation, I would simply say thank you for believing in us and supporting the future of the Franciscan family.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue this journey together.
About Formation
Franciscan priests and brothers follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus and St. Francis. They accept the gift of poverty as a way of life. They have nothing of their own but share equally as brothers whatever God provides through your generosity.
To educate and support a seminarian in his studies costs more than $10,000 a year. Show your support for our Franciscan Brothers by making a donation today.
Thank you, and God bless.
