Hello dear benefactors of Franciscan Mission Associates, my name is Br. Daniel and I am a Franciscan friar in formation. I hail from the Dominican Republic and I am 25 years old and am currently a student of Theology. I would like to share with you a little of my life and how, thanks to your help, I am given the opportunity to go ahead with my studies for the service of God, the Church, and society.
I lived a quiet childhood with my father, my mother, and my two sisters in a town called Sabana Yegua, Azua in the south of the Dominican Republic. My father was a secretary for the local court of justice and my mother, although she studied nursing, dedicated herself to taking care of all of us at home.
I believe that the family environment of my home gave me the deep conviction that sharing my life with others is a great value. Two things that attracted me to Franciscan life were being with God, which is expressed in fraternal life; and, that same fraternal life and the service to the poor and to the marginalized of the world.
During my years of formation, I have had the tangible opportunity to see how my Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception expresses its dedication to God through the way it serves the people who walk in faith within our parishes.
I once heard this phrase: “To help others, you don’t have to give them the fish, but give them the rod and teach them how to fish.” This is precisely what I have been able to see in the places of our missions in Central America, how so many lives are impacted for the good, teaching them “how to fish.”
Lives change for the better as Franciscan brothers teach them, accompany the sick, the elderly, children and young people, etc.
The influence of God, the Virgin, and older friars
Three influences of my formative years have been the mainstay of my vocation. The first is my relationship with God through prayer and fraternal life.
A second has been the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary and we have a very strong devotion to her as the patroness of my country, invoking her as Our Lady of Altagracia.
The third great influence in my life is the testimony of many older friars whom I have encountered along my spiritual journey, especially those I have met in the missions in Central America, who with their lives dedicated to the kingdom of God, have edified me.
Giving thanks for the opportunity to serve
At first, one of the most challenging things about this life was being away from home and leaving my comfort zone—it is not an easy thing to do. At the same time, however, it has become a grace because I have learned a lot concerning the personal, intellectual, and spiritual levels of formation.
The support we receive from FMA and its benefactors ensures that young men like me can receive an integral theological and human formation to be able to serve God and His people. We can continue striving to serve Him, the Church, and all men and women of good will.
I would like to thank you for your support and call upon God’s blessing on you and whatever you set your mind to. May He bless your family and fill you with his grace. Likewise, may you know that we pray for you and keep you in our intentions.
To be of service is part of our essence and at the same time, it is an answer to God’s call. To serve means to be able to express to the world the love that God has had for me and that I have experienced throughout my life. This brings joy to my life.
I would like to close by sharing a biblical quotation in the hope that God will be gracious to you, be a sure hope, turn his gaze upon you and grant you peace:
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans of welfare and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. You will call upon me and come to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
You can learn more about Br. Daniel’s calling by reading his Formation Story: “A constant return to Christ”.
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.
