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July 21, 2025By Caitlin Burm
In a moving ceremony the past week in Tucson, 40 immigrants from 14 countries across the world raised their hands, reciting the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, pledging themselves to the country that is now their home. Among them was Rev. Emanuel "Manu" Franco-Gomez, O.Carm., a Diocese of Tucson priest and the Diocese’s Director of Youth Ministry.
For many, obtaining citizenship is a personal and legal milestone that is worthy of celebration. But for Fr. Manu, it was also a spiritual one. It marked not only his commitment to this country, but also a deepening of his vocation as a friar and a priest—to spread the Gospel in word and deed in a land that has now become his own.
“The ritual of being seen by and embraced by the community [at the naturalization ceremony] was really impressive to me,” Fr. Manu said.
“That sense of the community welcoming you and the judge representing the country… it was a nice ritual,” he added.
The Diocese of Tucson’s Director of Vocations, Rev. Alan Valencia, as well as many other friends and parishioners attended the naturalization ceremony to support Fr. Manu, filling in the courtroom on the special day.
The day was the culmination of a blessed journey for Fr. Manu, who was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico, and has been living in the United States since 2011, when he moved to the U.S. to pursue becoming a Carmelite.
“The opportunity to do ministry freely was the main motivation,” Fr. Manu stated.
He was ordained a priest in the Carmelites of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary in 2018, and he served at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church in the Diocese. He was accepted to the Savannah College of Arts and Design's Master of Fine Arts program in 2020, and he became the Director of Youth Ministry in 2023. Fr. Manu also began teaching theology courses for Catholic University of America-Tucson in 2022 and has worked in both education and youth ministry for more than 20 years.
“If there is a calling to do ministry here in the U.S., I would encourage that person,” Fr. Manu said. “I think it’s important to know who you are, and where you’re coming from, and to keep your traditions and the connection with your family and people.”
He continued,“But it’s an opportunity to be kind of like a missionary, coming from somewhere else and serving a community and culture that is different. If there is an invitation, and the opportunity to serve, then why not consider it?”
As the ceremony concluded and the new citizens waved their American flags, Fr. Manu smiled. For him, it was not just about citizenship but about continuing his mission—now with a new sense of home.
