Friar Edgar Varela was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Graham, North Carolina, by Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer OFM Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta.
Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial, Friar Michael Heine, was one of the principal concelebrants.
Ordained in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary of his transitus into heaven we commemorate this year, Friar Edgar embraces a priesthood rooted in humility, fraternity , and joyful service, offering his life so that others may encounter the mercy and love of Christ.
The World Day of Prayer for Vocations was celebrated on Sunday, April 26. Friar Edgar spoke about what a great blessing it is for him to receive the ministry of priesthood.
Through this ministry, I hope to bring Christ's presence, love, and mercy to all, and most especially to the forgotten, the exiled, and the outcast. Please pray for me as I begin this wonderful ministry as a Franciscan friar-priest.
Let us together pray for more vocations to religious life and priesthood. Peace and all good.
Congratulations Fr. Edgar! Please keep him in prayer as he begins his priestly ministry.
