Three friars ordained to priesthood
Author: Eli Pacheco
Date Published: August 28, 2025
Answering the call to the priesthood as a Franciscan friar is to combine the sacred duties of sacramental and pastoral ministry with the enduring spirit of fraternity.
On a sweltering Friday afternoon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brothers Noé Alfaro Casas, OFM, Raphael Nnabuikem Ozoude III, OFM, and Matthew Thomas Ryan, OFM, were ordained to the priesthood.
With Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., as presiding and ordaining prelate, more than 110 friars and postulants, along with friends, family and parishioners, gathered at Holy Family Catholic Church on Aug. 22, 2025, from points far and near in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Stowe, addressing the congregation in both English and Spanish, invited those present to remember how ministry began imperfectly for Christ’s Apostles.
“Rafael, Matthew and Noé are certainly more impressive than the original 12 were,” he said. “I mean, these guys have excellent education, rich backgrounds from a variety of places – Nigeria, Mexico and Kentucky!
“They have received first-class formation in a community of brothers who affirm and challenge, who invite them to be the best they can be and who believe in them.”
[READ BISHOP STOWE’S HOMILY HERE]
Provincial Councilor Br. Roger Lopez, OFM, lays hands on Br. Raphael Nnabuikem Ozoude III, OFM, during an ordination Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “With the ... Holy Spirit’s power passed on through the laying of hands, Matthew, Rafael and Noé will be set aside to preach, lead and sanctify the people of God,” said Bishop John Stowe, OFM, Conv., who presided the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)
‘Jesus sees something in these friars’
Provincial Minister Br. Lawrence Hayes, OFM, concelebrant, with deacon Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM, presented the three candidates before the congregation and polite applause rose to a hearty crescendo.
Each knelt before Bishop Stowe for their promises of obedience and the examination of candidates in the Rite of Ordination.
With moving musical accompaniment in a liturgical music program by Br. Rufino Zaragoza, OFM, candidates lay prostrate and listened as the congregation asked the communion of saints to pray for all.
The three knelt before Br. Larry, who, following the tradition from his own ordination, gently enclosed their prayer-folded hands within his own—a ritual that links these Franciscans to the very origins of their Order and to the Apostles.
Then, filing before them, dozens of friars processed one by one to lay hands on the new priests. The poignant exchange between experienced priests and those newly ordained contained decades of supplication and wisdom.
“Jesus sees something in these friars and believes in them – even more than they believe in him,” Bishop Stowe said. “With the same Holy Spirit’s power passed on through the laying of hands, Matthew, Rafael and Noé will be set aside to preach, lead and sanctify the people of God.”
Candidates for ordination lay prostrate in the nave. This posture is a poignant sign that emphasizes their dependence on God and others’ prayers. It is a self-emptying gesture that symbolizes a surrender of oneself to the church in religious life. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)
‘Taking me where the Spirit leads’
Readings from the Books of Jeremiah and Hebrews highlighted key themes for those chosen to proclaim the Word.
From Jeremiah 1:4-9: “Do not be afraid ... for I am with you to deliver you – oracle of the Lord.” From Hebrews 5:1-10: “No one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God.”
These men have chosen to step into a vocation that beckons them to celebrate the Eucharist and proclaim the Gospel, to shepherd souls with compassion, guidance and witness, meeting the needs of communal life while serving with Franciscan hearts.
Since their initial formation, they have discerned a call to the priesthood within the Franciscan tradition through prayer, study and ministry.
“I love parish life, especially working with young adults and families,” Br. Noé said.
“I see ordination taking me where the Spirit leads,” Br. Matt said. “I pray that I will be a good priest using my gifts for the greater glory of our God who loves us all for who we are.”
Br. Noé Alfaro Casas, OFM, distributes his first Holy Communion as a priest. Family members were the first to receive communion from the newly ordained. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)
‘The call to live the very mysteries that we celebrate’
They joined with Bishop Stowe and Br. Larry for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bringing each face to face with those in the congregation who came to celebrate them.
Before all concluded the Mass in song with “Go Make of All Disciples,” Br. Larry thanked the bishop, Holy Family Parish and staff, and families of the newly ordained. “The Church is richer because of you,” he said, then expressed gratitude to their many formators.
“There have been formal formators, friar friends and mentors and guides in various ministries. There have been friendships and pushes and prods. Thanks to the brotherhood for being here and thanks for your part in forming our three new brother priests.”
As the congregation moved toward the parish hall for the reception, the words of Bishop Stowe remained as the Order officially welcomed the new priests as a call to the lives they’ll live from this day forward.
“Yes, our priestly ministry is of the greatest importance for the sanctification of the people of God, but so is the call to live the very mysteries that we celebrate and witness through the presence and nearness of God to God’s people – in and through us – and in and through them,” Bishop Stowe said.
Is God calling you to bring people closer to Him? Discern your calling with the Franciscans. Contact us to learn more.