Province expands Franciscan presence in Puerto Rico

With immense joy and deep gratitude to God, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe have humbly accepted stewardship of Parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish) from the Diocese of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

The parish community warmly welcomed the friars during a well-attended evening liturgy at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2026. In a display of fraternal support for the parish, the liturgy was also attended by Bishop Ángel Luis Matos of the Diocese of Mayagüez, friars serving in Carolina and Sabana Seca, and diocesan deacons and priests. Vicar Provincial Br. Erick López, OFM, represented the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“We do not come to take possession of a ministry, but rather as lesser brothers kneeling before the history of this diocese, this parish and each one of you,” said Br. Erick during the liturgy, speaking on behalf of Minister Provincial Br. Michael Perry, OFM. “We kneel before your joys and sorrows, before your families, before your elders, your young people, your poor and suffering brothers and sisters, and also before your dreams.

“The bishop has entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for you, and we have received that responsibility as an act of love from the Church and as a call from God to serve you with humility.”

This is the first time the Order of Friars Minor will be present in the northwestern part of Puerto Rico since 1528 and marks an expansion of the Franciscan presence on the island. The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe also cares for two parishes in the San Juan metropolitan area: Parroquia San José Obrero, Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, and Parroquia Santa Clara, Villa Fontana, Carolina. Last week, Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment of Br. Gerardo A. Vargas Cruz, OFM, as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao.

“Your arrival is a true grace for our local Church,” said Bishop Matos. “For the Parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, the arrival of the Franciscan friars is an opportunity to receive and live with renewed enthusiasm the Franciscan charism: simplicity, fraternity, evangelical poverty, love for the poor, peace and the joy of following Christ.”

The parish was established by the Benedictines in 1959 and has been cared for by diocesan priests during the last 15 years. It has three chapels: San José in Barrio Rosario, La Milagrosa in Barrio Malezas, and Sts. Carlos Borromeo and Antonio de Padua in Barrio Río Hondo. Three friars will serve the parish: Br. Jit Manuel Castillo De La Cruz, OFM, who will serve as pastor, and Brothers Eddie Caro Morales, OFM, and Lisbany Pérez González, OFM.

“This new geographical, cultural and religious context challenges our comfort zones and certainties,” said Br. Eddie, OFM, guardian of the local fraternity. “One thing is clear: now is the time to explore new paths (in Spanish: “tantear”) of fraternity and mission.”

The friars have begun meeting with the parishioners to hear their concerns and aspirations. As they look forward to learning from the community, they also hope to spark interest in St. Francis and Franciscan life.

Establishing a new fraternity

In the morning on Aug. 29, the friars gathered for breakfast before celebrating the liturgy for the erection of the new Blessed Giles of Assisi fraternity in Mayagüez. Setting aside the unpacked moving boxes, they gathered in the chapel to sing and share faith through the Gospel passage from Luke in which Jesus sends out the 72.

Guardian Br. Eddie received the Rule of St. Francis, and the friars of the new fraternity received the Book of the Gospels before the new friary was blessed and the friars from the metropolitan area said their goodbyes. Then a busy weekend of service to the parish began with six Masses – three on Saturday at San José Chapel, Sts. Carlos Borromeo and Antonio de Padua Chapel and the parish church, and three on Sunday at La Milagrosa Chapel and the parish church.

“The whole weekend was intense, physically exhausting, and deeply edifying all at once,” Br. Erick later reflected. “The friars are happy to be here and excited to begin this new adventure, and the people have been very welcoming, hopeful, and inspired.”

“We are with a hospitable and generous community that is willing to accompany us on this new venture,” Br. Eddie added. “We hope that this opportunity will enable us to renew our Franciscan life.”