What makes someone decide at eight years old that they want to become a priest?
For Fr. Filiberto Oregel Álvarez, the newest Carmelite at Mount Carmel, who was ordained a priest only a few weeks ago on January 17, the answer is not that crazy. After his First Communion, he began paying closer attention during Mass, watching his pastor celebrate. He saw the priest as a role model and wanted to be like him. As he got older, the idea of becoming a priest did not go away.
Fr. Filiberto was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. He proudly shares that people from his region are called Tapatío, a nickname for a person from Guadalajara. He is the youngest of five siblings, three sisters and two brothers. In his family, faith was always present. All of his siblings eventually got married, but he chose a different path.
“I chose the best part, I think,” he says, referring to his decision to dedicate his life fully to the priesthood and the Carmelite community instead of marriage.
His family supported his decision from the beginning. They knew about his desire to become a priest when he was still young. Their encouragement gave him confidence as he entered formation and later moved away from home to continue his studies.
Three role models shaped Fr. Filiberto’s early vocation. His pastor showed him how to be a good priest and celebrate Mass. His mother’s devotion to Mary taught him how to live by faith. And Mary herself became a spiritual guide, inspiring him to demonstrate kindness in his actions. Together, these influences helped him see that being a priest is not just about rituals, but about living faith fully.
“I learned from my pastor how to be a good pastor,” he says, “but I learned from Mary how to demonstrate my kindness.”
From a young age, Fr. Filiberto was fascinated by the brown scapular he saw many Catholics wear, and he began to learn more about the Carmelite tradition. The more he learned about humility, prayer, and service, the more he wanted to become a priest.
He also liked the number of ministries there are for Carmelites to be a part of, which include schools, hospitals, and prisons. It showed him that faith is lived out in everyday spaces, not only inside a church.
Fr. Filiberto completed much of his early formation in Mexico before pursuing further studies in theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He also interrupted his theological studies to fulfill a two-year internship at South Pointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona.
Now serving at MC, Fr. Filiberto focuses on bringing Carmelite spirituality into daily school life.
“[Mount Carmel] is inspired by Mary, how to be kind, how to be humble, how to be happy,” he says.
He hopes students see faith lived out through daily interactions.
One thing that students might notice is that Fr. Filiberto is called both “Brother” and “Father.” The difference may seem small, but it reflects something important about his identity within the Carmelite Order.
“Although you are a deacon or you are a priest, you will always be a brother,” he said.
For Carmelites, community life comes first. They live together, pray together, and serve together. The title “Father” refers to the priesthood. The title “Brother” reflects belonging.
Fr. Filiberto’s journey is one of not giving up on his dream from a young age. A calling that began right after his First Communion did not grow weaker. Whereas many students are at a point in their lives when they are still figuring out which direction to go, his story shows what it looks like to recognize a purpose early and remain committed to it.