Br. Luis Dri

On July 9, 2023, Pope Francis announced the creation as Cardinal in the next consistory our own Fr. Luis Dri.

Brother Luis was born in Federación, Entre Ríos province, Argentina, on April 17, 1927, Easter Sunday of that year. His parents, Antonio Dri and Estela Lodi, were Italian immigrants who worked in the fields to support their 10 children. Four of his sisters became nuns, three became Capuchin priests, one brother married, and two died as children. As a boy he entered the Capuchin Friars Minor Seminary in Uruguay and on February 21, 1945, he was invested as a novice. On Feb. 23, 1949, he took perpetual vows and was ordained a priest on March 29, 1952.

In the Order, he was appointed seminary director, novice master for 25 years, postulancy formator, guardian, parish priest, definitor and vicar provincial. Almost his entire life he alternated between - and many times did simultaneously - formation work and pastoral work. This kept him always up-to-date in the theology of consecrated life and in pastoral work. A man faithful to God and the Church, he sought to respond at every turn to the breath of the Spirit who continually showed him new ways to bring about the Kingdom of God.

We thank God and Pope Francis for this gift of honor to our brother Luis and the entire Order. We hope that, at the age of 96, he will be able to continue for a long time this ministry that brings so much good to the pilgrims of the shrine.