These Franciscans make up strong graduating class for 2025

Author: Eli Pacheco

Date Published: May 30, 2025

The fun of graduation season includes several brothers who have completed their studies in various programs. Here’s a look at the province’s class of 2025. 

A smiling man stands at the back of a church. He is wearing a friar habit and red sash.

Br. Noe Alfaro Casas, OFM, earned a Master of Divinity at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Br. Noe Alfaro Casas, OFM)

  • Br. Noé Alfaro Casas, OFM: Br. Noé completed his Master of Divinity at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He serves in diaconate ministry at San Francisco de la Espada/St. Frances Cabrini Parish in San Antonio.  

  • Tyler Grudi, OFM: Br. Tyler graduated from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is on his pastoral year until 2026 and lives and works at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. He is to make his final vows in summer 2026.

A smiling, bespeckled man poses for a photo wearing a graduation mortar, robe and stole.

Br. Juan Luis Guerrero, OFM, got an Associate of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from San Diego Mesa College in California. (Photo courtesy of Br. Juan Luis Guerrero, OFM)

  • Br. Juan Luis Guerrero, OFM: Br. Juan Luis earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from San Diego Mesa College in California. He is now pursuing a Master of Divinity at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, as part of his Franciscan formation.  

  • Br. Kevin Hamzik, OFM: Br. Kevin finished the Master of Fine Arts program at Columbia College Chicago. He will next work at the Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University.   

  • Br. Adolfo Mercado, OFM: Br. Adolfo finished his studies at the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. He will move to San Antonio, Texas, to complete his formation at the Oblate School of Theology after taking his solemn vows.  

Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM, recently graduated from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. (Photo courtesy of Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM)

Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM, recently graduated from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. (Photo courtesy of Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM)

  • Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM: Br. Raphael earned his Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He will be ordained to the presbyterate in August and assigned to pastoral ministry.  

  • Br. Matt Ryan, OFM: Br. Matt earned a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He will be ordained on Aug. 22 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and awaits his first appointment at a Franciscan parish.

A smiling man with eyeglasses, wearing a friar habit and yellow sash, poses for an outdoor photo with three women.

Br. Jay Woods, OFM, celebrates his graduation with (from left to right) cousins Jaci Lee and Stephanie White, and his mom, Maureen. (Photo courtesy of Br. Jay Woods, OFM)

  • Br. Jay Woods, OFM: Br. Jay earned a master's in social work from Boston University, with a concentration in trauma, oppression and justice. He will join St. Francis of Assisi Friary in New York City to work with substance abuse patients at a community health agency.