Minor Characters

Br. Jimmy Kernan, OFM is a professor at Siena College despite still being in formation and still in his 20s. He has a love for science and a desire to bring his Franciscan charism to the world.

Art doesn't just please the eye, it is meant to tell a story and help the viewer see the world around them differently. No one understands this better than Fr. Jerry Bleem, OFM, a Franciscan priest and artist who uses reclaimed trash and refuse to create thoughtful pieces of art.

When you think of friars, you probably think of priests working in parishes. This is not for everyone. Friars like John Gutierrez have lived out their friar lives caring for patients in hospitals and fighting for justice on behalf of fellow employees.

Tyler Harris, OFM is not worried about the Church. He sees places where faith is alive and thriving, centered around the Eucharist.

Jimmy Beh is in the process of making a major life change: he's just months away from taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Some would see this as scary or restrictive, but Jimmy loves the freedom that they provide.

Fr. Jim Bok lived an "ordinary" friar life. He worked at a school, then raised money for the friars in the development office, things that many friars set out to do. Then, at 61, when many are starting to look forward to retirement, he decided to become a missionary to Jamaica. He never regreted any of his 16 years there.

Roger Lopez loved to teach high school students. Then one day he received a phone call from "Italy." As a Catholic, this generally means big news. In his case, he had been selected to be a provincial councilor, a leader in the government of the Order.

Fr. Greg Plata works in vocations ministry for the Franciscans, which means he travels a lot. This has taught him some tremendous lessons along the way.

Robert Lentz has often found himself with the oppressed and the marginalized. It has shaped his theology and inspired his world-renowned paintings.

Some friars serve at the altar, others build the altar. Br. John Boissy, OFM is a professional woodworker who uses his skill to make works that will last centuries.

Edgardo "Lalo" Jara entered the friars when he was young and in his 20s. It didn't work out. He tried again a few years later, joining the diocese. It didn't work now. Then, 10 years later, he moved to the United States and tried a third time. Now he's a priest of a major parish doing amazing work.

As a lawyer, Fr. Mike Johnson, OFM was used to working with the law. He never expected to have his life changed by a prison, let alone one in Bolivia. Now he leads mission groups all around the world.

Fr. Bill Burton, OFM found the friars early in live. And then he ran away to make money. Little did he know that he'd be back, and that he would one day become an accomplished scripture scholar.

Fr. Michael Duffy is a simple man who just wants to serve the poor with dignity. And he's been able to do that for 36 years. But he's also been tasked with incredible opportunities outside of his comfort zone, like healing the nation after 9/11 and staring in a major television show.

Br. Jim McIntosh knows what it's like to live an intentional life. From living with the homeless, to forming a Catholic house, to missionary work in South America, to working with migrants at the border, there's something authentically Franciscan about the way he lives.

Colin King grew up in suburban Ohio. Today, he's the pastor of multiple churches in Jamaica. The change couldn't be more drastic, and he couldn't be happier.

It's not every day you meet someone who turns down a six-figure job to live simply and take care of old guys. Then again, it's not every day you meet someone as kind as Fr. Michael Reyes, OFM.

Jay Woods was living his dream: working on broadway and giving glory to God. When his faith began to slip, so too, did his mental health. It wasn't until he left it all behind that he found his calling in serving others.

There's nothing like a ministry of presence, simply being with people and open to listening. Fr. Dennis Tamburello, OFM has spent his entire life with this mindset, listening to students, visiting prisoners, and conferencing with Protestants. Also, he plays the guitar and drums!

Few people get to live their childhood dreams. Even fewer people have childhood dreams of being a secret priest in China.