A Reflection by Noe Alfaro, OFM 

I am from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico and I am thirty years old. I have three brothers and three sisters and I am the second oldest in my family. When I was twenty-one years old, I joined the Franciscan Friars in Mexico. I
completed my Aspirancy, Postulancy, Novitiate, and Studies of Philosophy in Sts. Peter and Paul Province in Mexico. I have been in simple vows for five years. Now I am a member of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in New Mexico and I came
here in 2018.

When I arrived in Albuquerque, I attended classes at CELAC (Center for English Language and American Culture) which is located on the Campus
of the University of New Mexico here in the city. My experience in studying at CELAC was unique because I met many students from different countries. Also, I learned American Culture which was essential for me to know because I did not
know anything about it.

Besides my English studies, I have also been engaged in ministry with several groups at Holy Family Parish in Albuquerque. For instance, ACTS group, Secular Franciscans, and Grupo de Oracion.

I am moving to San Antonio, Texas where I will begin my studies in theology at Oblate University this Fall.I will be living with the OFM Conventual Friars at their San Damiano friary. It is a formation house for their students in simple vows. I am sure that I will have an amazing experience living with them because I already met most of them a few months ago. I had a positive impression of them because they were cordial with me and I felt appreciated by them.

I am happy for this new experience. I hope to accomplish my studies of theology successfully. I want to study theology because it is important for my formation as a friar but also, to understand what God is telling me in his Scriptures. God has given me the vocation of being a friar minor therefore I want to respond to his call by being one of his disciples who studies the Scriptures and who mediates on his word and take action. Finally, I am confident that this journey will bring many experiences in sharing my life with the OFM Conventual Friars and doing ministry in San Antonio, Texas.