Br. Guire Cleary, S.S.F

Brother Guire Cleary, SSF, is a Franciscan friar of the Episcopal Church and holds an M.A. in history. After a number of years as a business litigation paralegal, he decided to return to his religious community. His life experience includes retail sales, owning a green grocery, and serving as the Assistant Director of a refugee resettlement agency. In 2000, Br. Guire was appointed the Curator of historic Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores), the first Franciscan brother to serve at that historic California mission since 1845. That he happens to be an Anglican serving on the staff of a Roman Catholic institution is a hopeful sign ecumenism in addition to irony. During Br. Guire's tenure as Curator, Mission Dolores increased its programs in history to more than 10,000 students per year, worked to increase cooperation among educational, museum, and historical associations, public advocacy of diversity in historical perspectifve, and honoring and working with the First Peoples of California. Br. Guire also served on the board of directors of the San Francisco History Association and the California Mission Studies Association. He is the recipient of several awards including Friend of the Ohlone People, Honorary U.S. Park Ranger, and the Oscar Lewis Award for historical Writing.

Brother Guire Cleary leads a tour of the mission, which was founded by Franciscan priests in the 18th century.

Brother Guire Cleary is being transfered to New Zealand in January, 2004.

Photo curtesy of San Francisco Chronicle