My name is Edgardo (Lalo) Jara Araya. I am originally from Costa Rica and have been stationed at Saint Camillus Parish, Archdiocese of Washington, Silver Spring, MD, since July 2015. I hold a degree in philosophy and humanities from Costa Rica Catholic University and a Master of Divinity from the Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside, CA. Before entering religious life in 2010, I was a high school teacher. I professed my first vows as a Franciscan friar with the Order of Friars Minor in 2013 and my final vows in 2016. I was ordained as a presbyter in February 2017.

For the last twenty years of my life, I have been involved in pastoral ministry in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States. I have been part of different kinds of ministries, such as Faith Formation programs, evangelizing missions, retreats and workshops, religious education at schools, and Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEBs).

Email: eejara14@gmail.com