Br. Carlos García-Cruz, OFM Cap.

Hometown: San Miguel, El Salvador

Age: 30

Before Becoming a Friar:  "I came to the United States in 2004 to study English for 6 months in order to continue my studies in Computer engineering back in El Salvador. While in U.S. the idea of discerning a vocation to the priesthood was reawakened in me. I looked for a seminary or religious orders that would have a program designed for aspirants to discern their vocation while studying English. The Capuchins of the Province of St Augustine had the perfect program. I contacted them and I became one of them. God's providential guidance at work!"

Why I'm a Capuchin:  "I am inspired to be a Capuchin because their spirituality tries to live Jesus’s gospel in a radical way. They also embody the core values of St Francis and Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, who are two saints that are close to my heart. In St. Francis, I love his simplicity and radical desire to live and work among the poor. In Blessed Romero, I admire his desire to defend and be in solidarity with the poor. In short, being a Capuchin will help me to live in solidarity with the poor and foster a close relationship with Jesus through contemplative prayer."