Franciscan Friar From California Supports At-Risk Youth

Friar Masseo Gonzalez

Friar Masseo Gonzalez, OFM Conv. moved to St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Pismo Beach, California towards the end of last year. For his ministry Friar Masseo drives to the town of Shandon – just over 50 miles northwest of Pismo Beach – and provides pastoral care to the faithful who call the chapel on Chapel Hill their spiritual home.

Besides his work in Shandon, Friar Masseo also runs the online El Padrecito Ministries, which he also founded. The ministries – named after a friar figurine created by Friar Masseo’s artist brother – support young at risk people. Friar Masseo knows from his own experience what it is like to be an at risk youth. Living in Richmond, California as a young man, Friar Masseo dropped out of high school and at one point got into a fight, which resulted in a car running and damaging one of his legs. One day however, he realized that God was calling him to conversion. And so Masseo became a friar and a priest. He also attended Pitzer College from where he graduated with two Masters degrees – one in divinity and the other in theology and cross-cultural studies.

Friar Masseo’s work with young people extends into the youth rap ministry. This ministry is an opportunity for evangelization and exists in San Pablo and Richmond (California) and Reno (Nevada). All in all, Friar Masseo will do whatever he can to help vulnerable young people get their lives on the right track.

(Source of all related images on webpage and homepage: Conventual Franciscans.)