In his last testimony in 1226, St. Francis of Assisi wrote with a tone of surprised joy that, “The Lord gave me brothers!” The saint marveled that God would call so many men to join him in this new, mendicant way of life at the service of the poor.

By summer’s end, his modern-day followers, the Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Conrad, will echo that same cry of joy, having celebrated three ordinations to the priesthood and the professions of six Capuchin brothers. These are the largest ordination and profession classes since the province was founded in 1977.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio ordained Capuchin Br. Jordan Rojas, to the priesthood at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio on May 18.

Born to Jesse and Frances Rojas in Brewster County, Texas, on Sept. 11, 1972, Fr. Jordan entered the Capuchin postulancy program in 2012, following a brief career as a project manager for Dell Computers. While in formation, Fr. Jordan worked at various ministries among the marginalized in Denver, including at Mullen Home, Samaritan House and St. Francis Center. Reflecting on his ordination, Father stated, "There is a deep sense of humility, knowing the responsibility and trust placed. The moment is enveloped in awe, as you feel the weight of the sacred commitment and the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding and strengthening you."

Father will begin his priestly ministry as parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a Capuchin parish in Lawrence, Kans. in August 2024.

On June 15, the Capuchins will celebrate two additional priestly ordinations when Brothers Luke Jordan and Vincent Mary Carrasco become priests at the hands of Cardinal Seán O'Malley, Capuchin archbishop of Boston. The ordinations will be on Saturday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Denver, a Capuchin ministry since 1970.

Born to Donald and Anne Judith Jordan in Fort Collins, Colo., on May 4, 1994, Eric Jordan began formation as a Capuchin in 2014, following his sophomore year at Benedictine College, where he was studying music. He received the religious name Luke Jordan upon the start of his novitiate.

During formation, Br. Luke worked at numerous ministries in Colorado, including the Catholic Center at the Citadel Mall, Marian House and the Volunteers of American nursing home, all in Colorado Springs. He has also worked closely with missionaries from Christ in the City bringing resources and evangelization to those living on the streets of Denver. Reflecting on his upcoming ordination, Br. Luke stated, “For me, ordination to the priesthood is a way of offering my life to Christ who offered himself over for us. While by myself I can do nothing, God called so that He can work in and through me by my ordination.”

Br. Luke is a gifted artist and in 2008 won the National Scholastic Art Award. He will begin his priestly ministry as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in San Antonio.

Vincent Mary Carrasco was born on May 27, 1991 in Hereford, Texas to Rodolfo and Suzanne Carrasco. Following his graduation from St. Gregory University in Shawnee, Okla., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology, Vincent entered the Capuchin postulancy program in 2015.

Br. Vincent Mary has served in a wide variety of ministries during his time as a Capuchin, including Catholic Charities, Samaritan House and St. Joseph’s Home for Veterans. Br. Vincent Mary is a very gifted musician and spends many weekends leading a form of Eucharistic adoration called Seraphic for parishes and youth groups. Anticipating his ordination, Br. Vincent reflected, "It’s a real blessing and tremendous grace to reach this moment. To be able to walk with many people in the faith, offering them the same mercy, love and compassion which has been given to me is exciting. Holding Jesus in my hands, and bringing him to all who wish to receive is such a privilege."

Br Vincent Mary will begin his priestly ministry as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Colorado Springs in August 2024.

All three of those ordained this summer studied philosophy at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver followed by their theology studies at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Tex.

In addition to these new ordinations, the Capuchins will also celebrate the solemn, life-long professions of five brothers and the temporary profession of another on August 10 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Denver.

The Capuchins are a 16th century reform order of the Franciscans who live in community as brothers and center their lives on the foundations of contemplative prayer, fraternity and service to the poor and marginalized. Their newest food truck ministry is visible twice weekly bringing healthy meals, resources and the gift of brotherhood to those living on the streets in downtown Denver.