On February 15, 2025, Friar Gustavo Jonas ROCHA DE MEDEIROS, a member of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Brazil, was ordained to the priesthood. The ordination took place in the Imaculada Conceição e São Maximiliano M. Kolbe Oratory, located at the headquarters of the Militia of the Immaculate (M.I.) in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo State, Brazil.
The celebration began at 4:00 p.m. and was presided over by the Most Reverend Pedro Luiz STRINGHINI, Bishop of Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. The Mass was attended by several friars, diocesan priests, including Father Rogério DUARTE, Pastor of the São João Batista Church in Riacho Grande (home of the M.I. oratory), family members and relatives of the newly ordained and many faithful.
This was the first time the oratory had ever hosted an ordination: a sacrament that marks a definitive step in a religious’ vocational journey. From this moment onward, Friar Gustavo Jonas shall take on the mission of preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and guiding the Christian community.
Friar Gustavo currently resides at the São Maximiliano M. Kolbe Friary in Mogi das Cruzes, where he already collaborates at the SEIBO Franciscan College. Now, as a priest, he will carry out his ministry at the São Maximiliano M. Kolbe Church, also in Mogi das Cruzes.
Born on July 26, 1994, in São Bernardo do Campo, Friar Gustavo Jonas is the eldest son of Sidnei SPESSOTTO DE MEDEIROS and Marlene ROCHA DE MEDEIROS. He made his simple profession on February 2, 2020, his solemn profession on September 23, 2023, and was ordained a deacon on April 20, 2024.
Friar Alexandre PATUCCI DE LIMA, Provincial Secretary
