Listen to this story:
To meet Father Jean Francky Guerrier, SJ, is to encounter a Jesuit whose faith is nourished as much by beauty as by inner depth. Fluent in French, Spanish, English, and Haitian Creole, he is a bridge between cultures and peoples.
In this discussion, Father Guerrier shares with simplicity what shapes his life: a deep-rooted prayer life, a filial trust in Mary, and a passion for accompanying people where God meets them. Between unexpected joys, tamed fears, and a desire to serve with justice, he offers us an authentic window into his Jesuit journey.
What is your favourite movie?
The movie The Mission. It beautifully captures the tension between faith, justice, and sacrifice, showing the complexities of missionary work and the deep commitment to accompany marginalized communities, themes that resonate deeply with my own Jesuit journey.
What’s the most inspiring place you’ve prayed?
The basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where Pope Francis is buried. It stands out to me because I have a deep devotion to Mary, she is, for me, a source of comfort and guidance in my faith journey.
But beyond that, what moves me so deeply is the sense of centuries of prayer that fills the space and makes me feel the invisible thread connecting us to countless pilgrims who, over generations, have come there with their hopes, sorrows, and gratitude. Being there reminds me that I’m part of something much larger: a universal Church united across time and space, gathered under Mary’s protective mantle.
What part of Jesuit life has brought you the most unexpected joy?
The profound joy of encountering people from all walks of life, in parishes, universities, and retreat centres. These encounters constantly remind me that God’s grace works in surprising and transformative ways.
What piece of advice would you share with someone discerning their vocation?
Take time to listen, truly listen to the desires of your heart and where God is gently calling you. Don’t rush. Pray deeply, because it’s not something that you can just decide. Ask Mother Mary for guidance.
What was your biggest fear before entering the Jesuits?
The fear of not being able to fulfill what is laid out in the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. When you are young, you often have this deep desire for perfection.
But over time, I came to realize something important: God meets me not in my perfection, but in my weakness, in my humility. He is patient with me. Entering the Jesuits is not about presenting myself as already perfect or fully capable, but about offering myself as I am, trusting that God works through my limitations, my struggles, and my gradual growth. This realization continues to free me and gives me the courage to walk the path every day.
Which Jesuit value resonates most with you in today’s world?
A faith that does justice. In today’s world, marked by inequality, violence, and ecological crises, this value calls me to live out my faith not just as a personal devotion but as a concrete action in solidarity with those who suffer.
What’s your go-to prayer or spiritual practice when you’re feeling stuck?
The Examen. It centres me, helps me notice where God has been moving and reopens my heart to gratitude and trust.
How has community life as a Jesuit shaped your understanding of friendship?
Community life has taught me that friendship is not just about affinity or shared interests, but about a deep, patient, and sometimes challenging commitment to walk together, to forgive, to celebrate, and to grow, always centred on Christ.
