Three friars prepare for simple profession July 2

Br. Michael Barrett, OFM 

Br. Michael, from St. Paul, Minnesota, was raised in a large Catholic family where faith and prayer were central to daily life. His early formation included Catholic education and responsibility as an altar server, nurturing a deep and enduring connection to the Church. 

His theological studies led him to consider a religious path. He was drawn to the Franciscans by their community life, hospitality and joyful spirit. He spent time in Franciscan formation communities, including Quincy, Illinois, and St. Clement Friary in Cincinnati, and through encounters with local friars in Minnesota, his vocation began to take shape. As a novice in Santa Barbara, his ministry with the homeless and his witness for peace and justice further deepened his Franciscan vocation. 

Br. Michael holds degrees in English, theology and American Sign Language, and has experience in parish ministry and pastoral leadership. He enjoys bicycling, cooking, gardening and poetry, as well as spending time in fraternity. He looks forward to serving at St. Anthony Friary in Butler, New Jersey, where he will assist in ministry and accompany the friars in the community. 

Br. Kevin Fox, OFM 

Br. Kevin, of Moorestown, New Jersey, grew up in a devout Catholic family. Although he long felt drawn to priesthood, it was during his time at the University of Notre Dame that he first encountered religious life and began to more deeply discern his vocation. 

He initially discerned with the Congregation of Holy Cross before encountering the Franciscans at Mt. Irenaeus in West Clarksville, New York, and at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. These communities, along with his experience living near a Capuchin parish, helped shape his desire for Franciscan life. Before entering postulancy in 2024, he served as director of a Catholic Worker house in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Br. Kevin holds a degree in sociology from Notre Dame, with additional studies in theology, poverty studies and business economics. He finds joy in reading and writing, especially works of literature and spirituality. He looks forward to continuing his formation and ministry in Jamaica. 

Br. Carlos Velazquez Estrada, OFM 

Born in the Sandhills of North Carolina to parents from Morelos, Mexico, Br. Carlos was formed in the faith from an early age. Although he drifted from the Church as a teenager, he encountered God in a personal and profound way that led him back to the sacraments — and to a renewed commitment to the Catholic faith. 

Br. Carlos first explored a vocation with the local diocese before meeting the Franciscans at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, North Carolina. They recommended the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry program, which led him to serve at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. There, he developed a deep appreciation for community life and ministry with those on the margins. During postulancy, he ministered to schoolchildren and discovered a love for teaching through art and music. A musician himself, Br. Carlos enjoys reading, hiking and playing chess. He looks forward to continuing his ministry in Jamaica.

Watch by livestream 

The profession will be July 2 at 10:30 a.m. PT at Old Mission Santa Barbara. Although the liturgy is not open to the public, all are invited to join in prayer and share in this moment of grace through the livestream.