Meet Postulant José Chávez
José Chávez, originally from Fresno, California, is re-entering postulancy with the Capuchin Franciscans. Before returning, he worked as a Family Service Counselor for the Dioceses of Fresno and Sacramento, helping families through both life and loss, while also serving as a pro-life advocate in his community.
What drew José back to the Capuchins was their life of prayer—a balance of contemplation and action that allows the brothers to be visible signs of God’s presence in the world. “The brothers were really down to earth,” he says, describing how their authenticity and joy helped him encounter Christ more deeply.
Now, as he re-enters postulancy, José looks forward to offering his gifts and experiences back to God. “It feels like re-presenting myself to the Lord,” he says, “and yes—being asked if I’m a Jedi again.”
Q&A with José
Where are you from?
I’m from Fresno, California.
What were you doing before deciding to enter postulancy?
Before entering postulancy, I worked as a Family Service Counselor for the Dioceses of Fresno and Sacramento, helping families with both life and death decisions during some of their hardest moments. By day I worked in that ministry of accompaniment, and by night I was a pro-life activist. I used to joke that I was the “life and death guy.”
What drew you to the Capuchins?
After visiting a few other communities, the Capuchins were the first place where I felt I could really meet Jesus and not just learn about a founder. Their blend of prayer and action—their ability to live contemplatively while being out in the world—spoke deeply to me. Plus, the brothers were down to earth, joyful, and human.
What are you most looking forward to in postulancy?
I’m looking forward to offering my life back to God, along with my past experiences, gifts, and talents. It’s like the parable of the talents in a modern way—bringing what He’s entrusted to me and letting Him make it new. And yes, I’m also looking forward to being asked if I’m a Jedi again.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
I. Am. Fun.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy art, photography, music, creative writing, and learning new things—basically anything that lets me create or think in new ways.
Which saint would you want to sit next to on a long flight?
Probably the one causing shenanigans and trying to blame St. Joseph.
