François Roy was raised in a traditional Catholic family and, like many of his generation, received the sacraments. His desire for God was awakened during his First Communion, but it gradually faded in his adolescence. It wasn’t until adulthood, in his search for meaning, that he had a life-changing encounter with Christ. A powerful experience of God’s presence reignited his faith and led him to discern a profound calling to the priesthood.

After several years of formation and spiritual guidance, François will be ordained a deacon in preparation for the priesthood on Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.

Read his full testimony and his journey of faith below.

****

My Journey to the Diaconate

I grew up in a typical 1980s Quebecois family. Like many at that time, we were traditional Catholics. I was baptized, then followed the path to my first communion, like most children. We went to Christmas mass and to a few other liturgical celebrations, such as funerals and weddings.

In this context, my first communion was a defining moment. It awakened in me a deep desire for God. I then began to pray and read the Bible regularly.

A Search for Meaning

As a teenager, this desire for God gradually faded. By the time I reached early adulthood, I was no longer aware of His presence in my life. Faced with this existential void, I embarked on a spiritual quest to give meaning to my existence.

I immersed myself in the writings of several spiritual authors, hoping to find the Truth to which I aspired with all my being. But this quest did not last long...

Through his great mercy, the Lord revealed himself to me. One day, alone in my room, I suddenly felt a presence. The Holy Spirit descended upon me. I perceived the presence of God, like the cloud that accompanied the people of Israel in the desert.

At that precise moment, I became aware of the reality of God. I received the gift of faith and I believed immediately. God was the answer to my search for the Absolute.

A Transformative Encounter

I opened the Bible and recognized the Truth I was seeking. Jesus is the Truth, as he himself affirms. From then on, I began to read the Word of God every day. It was alive. God spoke to me personally, answering all my questions.

This experience of the living God stayed with me for a long time. For the first time, I had a deep experience of his presence in the depths of my soul.

In this personal encounter with God, a desire was born: to dedicate my life to him. The idea of becoming a priest came to my heart. However, I knew almost nothing about the priesthood and very little about the Church itself.

A Call Confirmed

I then undertook research into my vocation and had some decisive encounters in new communities. This contact enabled me to discover the consecrated life while deepening my Catholic faith.

After several years of training and spiritual guidance, I felt the call to enter the seminary to become a priest in the service of the diocese of Montreal. The testimony of several priests in the diocese made me see the beauty of this vocation.

This bold decision to enter the seminary was confirmed by numerous spiritual graces, which encouraged me to persevere on this demanding path.

By the grace of God, I will be ordained a deacon with a view to the priesthood on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

Please pray for me!

François Roy