Embedded Files
The Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal were invited to live the Franciscan charism within the Diocese of Oakland, California at the invitation of Bishop Michael Barber. The mission of the CFR's is a life of prayer, in community, directed toward hands on work with the materially poor and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The friars assigned here at San Junipero Serra Friary, unique as they are, live and work together for the spreading of the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Luke Joseph Leighton
Fr. Luke Joseph Leighton
Fr. Luke grew up in Red Bank, NJ. He had a conversion experience in high school that led him to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at 15 years old. About a year later, he felt invited by the Lord to share in his priesthood. As a seminarian for the Diocese of Trenton, Fr. Luke attended Seton Hall University, where his knowledge of the faith and the life of prayer grew tremendously. After graduating, he entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and served in the friars’ mission of preaching the Gospel and attending to the needs of the poor in NYC for fifteen years. While living in the Bronx, he served at the Saint Francis Youth Center, Saint Anthony’s Shelter for Renewal, and Cardinal Spellman High School. Fr. Luke was ordained a priest by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in May of 2013. He completed the Institute for Priestly Formation’s Spiritual Direction Training Program in January 2020. He is now serving with his fellow friars in the Diocese of Oakland, California where they are establishing a new friary at the invitation of Bishop Michael Barber, SJ. During his time as assistant chaplain at Cardinal Spellman High School Fr. Luke published videos on YouTube which can be viewed here.
Fr. Daniel Williamson
Fr. Daniel Williamson
Father Daniel Williamson is a priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. He currently lives in Oakland, California and has served the friars in various missions, including in New York, New Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua, since joining the friars in 2001. Prior to entering the friars, he served in the United States Air force as an F-16 crew chief, drove an 18-wheeler cross country and worked various construction jobs. He attended Seton Hall University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Master’s degree in Divinity from Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT. Fr. Daniel is passionate about the outdoors, music, travelling, and most especially, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
BR. Matthew Solanus Schumacher
BR. Matthew Solanus Schumacher
Br. Matthew is originally from Madison, WI. He grew up playing soccer, training in the martial arts, and exploring the great outdoors. While attending college seminary in Southeastern Minnesota, he was invited by a few friends to join them in visiting the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City. Although he didn’t join right away, his experience of praying, working, and learning from the Friars left a deep impact. Br. Matthew finally joined in September of 2016. He lived his first year in NYC, and the following three years in New Jersey, prior to arriving in Oakland.
BR. Peter Anthony Curtis
BR. Peter Anthony Curtis
Br. Peter grew up in Sarasota, FL. In high school, he played drums in his youth group worship band. Going into college, he became involved in the campus ministry at the University of North Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in photography. Br. Peter enjoys surfing, music, and nature. When he was 21 years old he began seriously considering religious life, and he hopes to eventually pursue priestly studies. Attracted by St. Francis’ wholehearted response to the Gospel, he joined the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in September of 2016.
Page updated
Report abuse