Encounters of Faith:
Celebrating a Year of Growth, Grace, and Community in San Antonio and Beyond

Friar Andy Martinez, shares a moment with friar Cristian Ubaldo-Martinez(left) and and friar Philip Ley(right). They are celebrating over a year of pastoral leadership at the West Side tri-parishes in San Antonio, TX.

The friars from Our Lady of Consolation Province recently celebrated their first year as pastoral leaders of the West Side tri-parishes of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, St. Alphonsus, and Immaculate Conception in San Antonio, TX. Friar Andy Martinez serves as the pastor with the help of friars Cristian Ubaldo-Martinez and Philip Ley. Friar Joe Bach just joined the community in early September.

Leadership of one parish community is a challenge, but one community in three different sites seems daunting. Friar Andy takes these circumstances in stride as he and the other friars seek to not only provide sound pastoral leadership but to also share our rich Franciscan heritage and spirituality with the three communities. “We celebrated Transitus last year and it was very well-received,” friar Andy said. One of these communities was served by the Jesuits for many years, and another was served by OFM friars from Mexico, so they have an appreciation of the differences between religious and diocesan clergy.”

The proximity of San Damiano Friary, a house of initial formation for friars preparing for ministry, has also been a big help. “Last year, friar Pedro Lopez was involved with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. The friars from San Damiano planned and led the Good Friday Liturgy, which the parishioners really liked. I think that it brings them a degree of comfort to see younger friars coming up.”

Friar Andy and the friars are looking to the future as well. “We hope to create some events which will help the parishioners become better acquainted with the life of St. Francis, Franciscan Spirituality, and Franciscan approaches to ministry. Perhaps we will have a short talk or video presentation with an opportunity for them to ask us questions and then share a simple meal together.”

Two of the parishes have food pantries that they operate. Friar Joe Bach, who was recently assigned to the tri-parish community, will be supervising this and other outreach ministries to the poor and disadvantaged.

Friar Andy Martinez with the Madres Christianas,
who recently celebrated 81 years as a confraternity.

“My biggest regret,” friar Andy said, “is that much of my time is consumed with administration. With three ministry sites, we have several buildings to maintain and oversee. I try my best to connect with parishioners and visitors. I am fortunate that the other friars are willing to do visits to the homebound or those in hospitals.”
When asked about memorable encounters that he has had since assuming leadership of the communities, friar Andy shared the tragic story of a couple who had lost their young adult son and daughter in a car accident. “I listened to their story and the stories of their son and daughter; I had no magic words, but I was present with them, not only then, but throughout their grieving. Sometimes, just showing up is all that is required. I think of the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. After pointing out the hypocrisy of those who were accusing her, Jesus remains with her. He does not abandon her, nor does he condemn her. Sometimes I think that standing with people in their time of need is the greatest gift we can offer.”

“Another memorable encounter was with a young man who I thought may have had a vocation to the Franciscan life. In our conversations he told me that he had never been confirmed and he asked, `What does it take for me to be confirmed?’ We began meeting at a coffee shop on a regular basis as I shepherded him through the process to receive the sacrament and we continue to meet on a regular basis,” Friar Andy said. “Encounters like these, walking with someone who wishes to deepen their faith, are moments that confirm my discernment to be a Franciscan priest-friar.”