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By John Dougherty
“I just want to serve.”
The simplicity of these words captures something profound about Fr. Jean Francky Guerrier, SJ. In a world of complex motivations, his path began with this clear, heartfelt desire — one that continues to guide his journey today.
Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings in Haiti, Francky received early lessons about presence and community. “It was a big family,” he reflects, “and I learned the idea of sharing and being present to each other.” When his father passed away, he witnessed how his mother’s faith became her anchor: “She said clearly ‘I can’t do it by myself. God and the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ will be helping me to carry on despite the struggle.’”
Bringing Our Whole Selves
An actor from a young age, he performed on stage and in Haitian films, developing skills that would later serve him as a preacher and podcaster. Prayer was woven through his childhood, and his family’s deep involvement with their Redemptorist parish in Port-au-Prince shaped his early spiritual formation. As he puts it: “I grew up in church.”
“Service is in the details — often the smallest acts have the biggest impact.”
When Francky discerned a call to priesthood, a Redemptorist recommended the Jesuits, believing he would connect with the Ignatian charism. Entering the Haitian novitiate in 2009, he served migrants, taught pre-seminarians and worked at a radio station in the Dominican Republic. His theology studies at Toronto’s Regis College opened new doors, including the creation of a podcast for Salt + Light Media. Even his Jesuit community supported his creative spirit, attending his performance after taking improv classes at Second City.
Today, his service takes many forms. As Associate Provincial’s Assistant for Pastoral Ministries, vocations promoter among French-speaking populations, and coordinator of advancement programs for Haiti, Francky brings his whole self to each role. His fluency in French, Spanish, English and Haitian Creole allows him to build bridges across communities. Yet amid his busy schedule, he maintains that prayer and community are the heart of his vocation.
“In the midst of ugliness, I’m seeing beauty … I’m seeing people trying to really move forward despite what’s going on.”
Christ at the Core
“Prayer rooted in Christ, intimacy with Christ and the good accompaniment of a spiritual director” remain his foundation. Without these, he notes, the work would lose its meaning. Growing up in a big family taught him that “service is in the details” — often the smallest acts have the biggest impact. He applies this wisdom to his Jesuit community, making time with his companions a priority.
When speaking about Haiti, Francky’s voice carries both acknowledgment of challenges and unshakeable hope. “The ugliness going on in Haiti … that’s challenging for me,” he admits. “But in the midst of that I’m seeing beauty, I’m seeing a country where the people are trying to really move forward despite what’s going on there.”
This ability to find joy and possibility in challenging circumstances characterizes his approach to ministry. For those exploring their own call to service, Francky offers gentle wisdom: “Pray deeply, because it’s not something that you can just decide. Ask for discernment and understanding and ask Mother Mary for guidance.”
Fifteen years after beginning his Jesuit journey, Fr. Francky still just wants to serve. In that simple desire lies a profound truth about finding joy in giving oneself for others.
Fr. Jean Francky Guerrier, SJ, a Haitian Jesuit, is a member of the Province of Canada. He earned a licentiate in philosophy and humanities at the Jesuit Faculty of Philosophy in the Dominican Republic. As a regent in Haiti, he served as a communication and advocacy officer and project coordinator at the Jesuit Migrant Service, providing vital assistance to urban refugees and asylum seekers in Port-au-Prince. He was missioned to Toronto in 2017, pursuing theological studies at Regis College-University of Toronto. He earned an M.Div., a licentiate in sacred theology and a master’s degree in theology. He also attended acting and improvisation classes at The Second City.
Fr. Guerrier’s voice and insights reached many through his podcast, “Talking with Francky,” with Salt + Light Media Toronto. His compassionate listening, active communication style and attentive nature left his listeners wanting more. Fluent in French, Spanish, English and Haitian Creole, Fr. Guerrier is a bridge between cultures and peoples.
Currently, Fr. Guerrier is pursuing doctoral studies in communication at the Université de Montréal while serving as programs coordinator for Haiti at the Jesuits of Canada’s Office of Advancement.
