Br. Juan grew up in La Uníon, El Salvador. He moved to the United States with his family as a teenager, settling in Maryland, where he worshipped at St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Md. His parents attend services at St. Camillus's mission church in nearby Langley Park, Md.

Br. Juan, who lives at Sacred Heart Friary in Tampa, Fla., holds an associate’s degree in fine arts and a bachelor's degree in art history and studio art from the University of South Florida.

At the time of his solemn profession in 2009, Br. Juan was the youngest Holy Name friar to be professed in several years. Since professing final vows, he has served at Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa, Fla., and at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Camden, N.J.

He says he was attracted to the friars' commitment and work with the Hispanic community, and that he appreciates the fraternal life.

“After watching the friars help people, especially immigrants,” Juan said he thought, “I’d like to do this.”

Br. Juan is currently studying at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago as he prepares for ordination.