Our Seminarians

Nixon Jean Francois

Home Parish: St. Augustine, Park Slope
Seminary: Cathedral Seminary Residence, Douglaston

My decision to enter the seminary was influenced by the priests in my home parish. Their love for God's people and tireless work within the Church inspired me to pursue my vocation to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

I would encourage a young man who may feel that he is call to the priesthood to speak with a priest in his parish or with another experienced priest. The priest will be able to answer some of those first basic questions. One must be willing to be open to Christ; one has to listen to the Lord Jesus in prayer. It is in prayer that a man is able to hear Jesus: “come follow me”.

I entered formation for the priesthood in 1998 in Haiti. I have spent this time first studying philosophy and later theology. I also had the opportunity to volunteered in a Catholic School. I am currently preparing for the priesthood at Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston. I speak Creole and French; and I am studying English at this point. Hopefully please God, I will be able to share the Sacred Word of God to others through these different languages.

The priests that were part of my life growing up played a major role in my answering the call of God. I saw that they were faithful men of God, striving to follow the Lord. Father Paul Mercius and Father Jean Julien Ladouceur are two of the priests that I am forever grateful for their priestly example to me.

Life as a seminarian is busy. We wake early in the morning for Mass or Morning Prayer each day. We pray in common at least three times a day and the rest of our time in consumed with individual prayer and school work. My experience in the seminary has allowed me to experience brotherhood and the fraternity of priesthood.

I would encourage a man considering a vocation to the priesthood to get involved in your parish. The parish is man ways the center of the life of the Church in the local community. It is in service that one will know if they are truly being called to follow Christ in the unique and wonderful vocation.