email Br. Arias

Celestino M. Arias is a Capuchin Franciscan of the Province of St. Mary, New York/New England. He attended Boston College, earning two bachelors, one in history and one in philosophy. He entered the Capuchins in 1990 and earned a Masters of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 1997 with emphasis in social work and advanced generalist practice.
 In September, 2000 he was named guardian of the new fraternity of St. Benedict the Moor in Roxbury, MA. Tino also began his new ministry with Catholic Charities of Greater Boston as coordinator of youth empowerment and stabilization services, helping start and develop Cape Verdian Family Based Services, the Teen Center at St. Peter’s, and the Boston Catholic Youth Connection.
Six years later,Tino was invited to initiate interest among provincial membership by crafting a new project now known as the Capuchin Africa Initiative for Development, “Cap-AID”, to help foster social and human development; to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases; and to develop and support integrated, sustainable projects for the promotion of peace and reconciliation.
While still coordinating Cap-AID projects, Tino was assigned to St. Michael Friary, Brooklyn, in early 2008, where he now serves as a co-director of the postulancy program and guardian of the fraternity.  At the provincial chapter in April 2008 Tino was elected Provincial Councilor and serves on various committees and councils of the Province of St. Mary.