Friar Cristofer Fernández, OFM Conv. is a Conventual Franciscan of Our Lady of the Angels (East Coast) Province. Prior to entering religious life, Cristofer earned a B.S. in Environmental Biology, did field ecology work for the US Department of the Interior as well as with other organizations like the Organization for Tropical Studies; additionally, he taught high school science for a time before entering the Order. He is a religious brother with a Master’s degree in Theology, Religion, and Culture studies from Catholic University, specializing in Franciscan ecotheology. As a friar-ecologist, Brother Cristofer has collaborated with ministries like Franciscan Action Network, Catholic Climate Covenant, and Franciscans International on ecological animation within the Church and advocacy both nationally and internationally. Brother works with the houseless and migrants of New York City. He also serves on his province’s JPIC commission.”