priests
a “I fwriaarn-pt troiesbte!”
JESÚS GRAJEDA ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS.
Jesús Grajeda says the spiritual journey that
led him to a Franciscan community has
been an amazing experience—one that has
involved, music, prayer, and plenty of heart.
CURRENT STATUS: Friar in solemn vows with the
Conventual Franciscans, preparing for ordination.
NICKNAME: Chuy.
WHAT HE DOES FOR FUN: Playing and
listening to music, hanging out with
friends, painting watercolors, doing
yoga, biking, and hiking.
FAVORITE WAY TO CONNECT
WITH GOD: Meditating in
nature.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONVENTUAL FRANCISCANS.
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BEST THING SO FAR
ABOUT COMMUNITY LIFE:
“Brotherhood. I was bitten
by a copperhead snake
during a silent retreat
once. After my hospital
stay, I totally depended on
my brothers for everything:
food, clean laundry, and
so on. That sense of fraternity and brotherhood is what
makes me realize my calling to
be first and foremost a friar and a
minister to our church. (And my brothers told me I was just trying to get out
of being silent!)”
WHAT HE TOLD FRIENDS AND
FAMILY: “I just said it directly: I want to
be a friar-priest! My mother, brother,
and sisters supported me, but others
did not.”
VISION 2009
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