He was engaged to be married, intended to study economics and be involved in public service, even politics but on December 4, 2005 something happened that would radically change the course of his life.
Branker John was ordained a Roman Catholic deacon on Sunday, a part of a long journey which he said began when he was 15 years old.
“It was always at the back of my mind, it just wasn’t at the forefront,” John told Dominica News Online about his radical shift to religious life.
“I wasn’t taking the call seriously. When I was in Dominica I was involved in so many things, I didn’t have time to listen to the call that always was there.”
John is well known in Dominica because he has been part of the calypso scene as ‘de brakes’, winning the monarch crown twice.
He also worked in numerous civil service posts, ran for politics on a United Workers Party ticket and was appointed senator in Dominica’s parliament.
He said during that time in Dominica he didn’t pay much attention to the call to religious life. “I knew something was going on but I didn’t want to hear it,” he related. “It meant I had to be celibate and I didn’t want to deal with that. Secondly it meant a change of life. I like how things were going in my life, I had my own ambitions.”
John stated his life got quieter when he moved to the United States in 2000 to study economics and he was able to contemplate what was always at the back of his mind. “In the United States I got quieter. The Lord speaks in silence, you know,” he noted. “The Lord speaks in the stillness of our lives and it was at that time I began to pay more attention to my call.”
Then it happened on December 4, 2005. “I spent an entire day on retreat,” he said. “I don’t know what happened but something happened, something clicked and that night when I went home I said I was going to the seminary.”
John said the most radical change he had to deal with was leaving the young lady that he was planning to marry. “I loved her very much,” he recounted. “But I felt that if the Lord is calling me to the priesthood, then the least I could do was to investigate that call. It didn’t mean that I was going through all the way with it, it could have been an unauthentic call, but what I could do was investigate it and that is why I entered the seminary.”
He formally entered the seminary in September 2006 after what he described as “a long struggle.” “I had to decide whether I should or should not leave the woman I love,” he noted. “I eventually decided that I owed it to the Lord and to her to listen.”
Life in the seminary was difficult because he could not work to earn his own living anymore. “From the time I was 16 years old I was working and now I couldn’t provide for myself,” he said. “I was away from my woman and I had to be celibate. It was tough but I felt that I was supposed to be there.”
Additionally he said he wanted to return to the woman he loved and was in the seminary only to discern whether his call was authentic or not.
But the Lord was patient with him through his life in the seminary and that saw him through. “The Lord was patient with me through mistakes and missteps and that got me to the stage where I could say ‘alright, I want to do this.'”
John is expected to return to the United States later this year to complete his studies and will be ordained a priest next year.
Deacon Brancker is a devoted man of God. When the Lord called, he was able to move. Regradless of his past, the Lord is able to wash him clean and restore him to great faith, discipline and strength. I met Branker at my Church in the US in 2003 and immediately told him that he will become a priest. When he told me of his decision, I burst into tears of joy.
He even became the godfather to my son last year. Brancker is devoted to the Lord. Yes, he could have been married. Yes, he could still be a deacon and married, but he choose to become a priest. Be happy for him and continue to pray for him.
We wish that Brancker could remain in the US because he is a great preacher. He loves the Lord. Together with the parishioners of my Church in NJ, we congratulate you, Deacon and wish you a fruitful life working for the good of God’s people all over the world. Dominica should be proud of you. When a friend was ordained to the priesthood, his inspirational words were “God will strip you naked and reclothe you in innosense”.
DNO
Will you please permit me to post the following for the benefit of your readers? Thank you!
Meet EWTN’s Soon-To-Be-Ordained Missionaries of the Eternal Word!
By Caitlyn Keck
“I was in a rock band in high school,” EWTN’s Br. Patrick Mary of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word remembers with a smile, “being a priest wasn’t really at the front of my mind at the time.”
Now, Br. Patrick is just a few days away from being ordained to the priesthood – and several fellow Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World will be ordained right along with him: Br. Leonard will be ordained a priest and Brothers John Paul and Paschal will be ordained deacons – and EWTN viewers can see it all! Join us at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Ala. to celebrate this most blessed event as part of our “Cathedrals Across America” series, which airs live at 12 p.m. ET, Sunday, June 3.
Br. Patrick went from playing rock to living his life “on the Rock” after his first semester at the University of Miami. While attending….Read More
“I was in a rock band in high school,” EWTN’s Br. Patrick Mary of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word remembers with a smile, “being a priest wasn’t really at the front of my mind at the time.”
Now, Br. Patrick is just a few days away from being ordained to the priesthood – and several fellow Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World will be ordained right along with him: Br. Leonard will be ordained a priest and Brothers John Paul and Paschal will be ordained deacons – and EWTN viewers can see it all! Join us at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Ala. to celebrate this most blessed event as part of our “Cathedrals Across America” series, which airs live at 12 p.m. ET, Sunday, June 3.
Br. Patrick went from playing rock to living his life “on the Rock” after his first semester at the University of Miami. While attending Midnight Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala., the reverence and traditional use of Latin opened his ears and heart to the call to the priesthood.
Br. John Paul remembers that it was his fellow parishioners who first sparked the idea of becoming a priest, but it wasn’t until his best friend considered going into the seminary that the idea really sunk in: “It really is different to hear something like that from one of your peers. Here you are at the start of your life and you’re willing to give up everything for God.” When Br. Patrick and Br. John Paul first visited the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, they were awestruck by the reverence and joy of the brothers, as well as their love for basketball! Br. John Paul even admits he arrived three days before his official installment on October 4th in honor of St. Therese, who he believed to be instrumental in his discernment.
At EWTN, Br. John Paul’s background in electronics from DeVry University in Ft. Washington, Pa. did not go unused either, as over the years he has assisted in floor directing and camera work for various programs. Br. Patrick admits that EWTN’s mission statement of New Evangelization was a little intimidating at first: “When you’re preaching, it’s not just to the people in the pews in front of you—they’re watching you on television, the radio, and on the internet around the globe. We make a habit to ask for the Holy Spirit’s intercession to help us do the best we can.” Of course, the occasional slip ups are always bound to happen, but he says you learn to shrug them off, “At those times, I’m comforted by the words of Mother Teresa: ‘God doesn’t call us to be successful, he calls us to be faithful.'”
And do the Brothers have any advice for those discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life? Br. John Paul encourages: “Take a break from the internet, from texting, and go visit the Blessed Sacrament. Ask Him ‘Where will I be happy? Where is the best fit for my talents?’ Don’t be afraid to ask God boldly about your place!” Br. Patrick agreed, “Ask God what He wants you to do, and most importantly, ask Him for the grace to respond to it. God has a plan for us and wants us to be happy. Go for it! Get out there and talk to priests and visit the communities.”
Also to be ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Birmingham is Doug Vu, who came to Alabama by way of Vietnam.
May God bless them all!
Priestly Vocation
We are in the era of The New Testament, 2000 years after Our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth, lived, taught, suffered, crucified, died, resurrected and ascended into Heaven. This is the era we are presently living in.
Some of you who commented on this article have projected your ignorance of Holy Scripture and primarily of God, what He has taught through Holy Scripture, wants of us and expects of us. It is shocking how much you do not know yet you provide advice without understand anything. You are in need of genuine teaching of Holy Scripture. You also need to learn how to love others, to get along with them and to respect them (have respect for them) and their preference for their godly state in life, as in this case. Some of you are on the wrong path and have falsely been indoctrinated. Obviously, you are either not practicing Catholics. If you are, you are not genuine ones. You may have also renounced your Catholicism and therefore joined such people as enemies of the Catholic Church as you have projected and now think that you are an expert of Holy Scriptures better than the Catholic Church and Its genuine practicing members. Some so-called experts who know nothing about what is contained in Holy Scriptures. You are not living The Ten Commandments of God and The Beatitudes. You are persecutors of the Catholic Church yet you say that you have found God in other churches and love Him. Our patient God is taking note. In His time every one will receive their just recompense as they deserve according to their words and deeds.
If you believe that Holy Scriptures is the Word of God, read, comprehend and take note of the following:
Luke 2:33:35 – Simeon the Prophet blessed them and said to Mary his Mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Matthew 19:11:12 – Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.
1 Corinthians 8:32:35 – I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.
1 Corinthians 9:16:18 Reason for Not Using His Rights – If I preach the Gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for all obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the Gospel “free of charge” so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel.
And you say that Catholics do not know the Bible? Thanks be to God, The Blessed Trinity, I have made it my business to know what is contained in it and to comprehend it. God inspires and enlightens for good and never for evil.
Those who have formed their personal churches, those who have renounced their Catholic Faith, please take note. I reiterate that you need to read/study and comprehend what is contained in Holy Scriptures.
@ anonymous
You are correct.
Ecclesiastes 5:1:6 – Be not hasty in your utterance and let not your heart be quick to make a promise in God’s presence. God is in Heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. For nightmares come with many cares, and a fool’s utterance with many words. When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools, fulfill what you have vowed. You had better not make a vow than make it and not fulfill it. Let not your utterances make you guilty, and say not before his representative, “It was a mistake.” Lest God be angered by such words and destroy the works of your hands. Rather fear God!
This also pertains to those who are married. They too made a vow before God.
The closer you are to GOD the more the devil becomes active; just put the brakes on him by keeping that candle of yours burning
Thinking out loud.
Is marriage for everyone? is it really this glamourous celebration that it’s painted to be?
why are there so many sucessful relationships between non married people, while the divorce rate is rising at an alarming rate even in Dominica?
Is Brakes entititled to make his own life choice like everyone of us, or he must be with a woman to validate his manhood?
If protestants no matter what criminal and filthy past many may have had claim that once they get baptized and tote the bible quotes are saved, can someone else of a different belief, point of conviction not serve God without being relentlessly taunted?
Why is every religion claiming to be Gods word, yet their members are stonning each other back and forth on bible quotes?
Why are we so intolerant of the opinions, convictions and choices of others, doesn’t the same GOD preach of respect?
Aren’t West Indians in the same mixer of the Amerindians where they were forced to give up their own practices and this Catholicism followed by other break off religions imposed on them? Is that a new subtle form of slavery?
How many religious fanatics have taken the time off to research in depth the information they are so readily waiting to dispense on others?
Is a man in the amazon living his culture and not following christianity less of a GOD fearing person than a Dominican catholic, adventist, pentecostal follower?
great job God has chosen u for a purpose and don’t let anyone take that blessing of joy from u, things happen for a reason, I happen to have the pleasure to meet u out here in the usa and u are doing a wonderful job for the lord we need some more positive black brothers like u to follow y footsteps
all those people that preaching sermon on dno comment box i hope allu does witness to other people about god in the same spirit
Since the discussion is about God and serving Him.I CANNOT close the BIBLE and give my opinion or religious belief.It must be “Thus saith the scripture” I cannot go against the word of God, just to be in or with the majority.
According to new testament teaching,When a person is saved he/she automatically becomes a priest,,,1Peter 2:5 and 9.A writer by the pen name wrote.
“He CHOOSE (not forced)to be part of an organization where celibacy is a requirement”.
And I say AMEN to this person, so true.It is an organization,because there is no place in the scriptures both old and new where God say to any saint of HIS “To serve me you must accept celibacy”.
The all wise God of creation cannot contradict Himself.Do you know who made the statement.
“IT is not good that man should be alone;I will make him a helper comparable to him?” Gen.2:18
In all the writings not once we noticed these words, I Branker John received Christ as my Saviour or got saved on such and such a day.My people let us for a moment put all jokes aside.No one is born a child of God.We must BECOME,John 1:12.Before that we are all lost.Let us turn to the Saviour not religion.
William Tyndale was born in Gloucestershire,England around 1494.He was a priest,one day he responded angrily to an English bishop who stated that the common people didn’t need to read the Bible but only needed to rely on the word of the pope.”I defy the pope and all his laws!” Tyndale shouted “And,if God spares me,I will one day make the boy that drives the plow in England know more of the scriptures than the pope does!”….AMEN MY BROTHER
about being saved….was one of the exact thing i was thinking b4 i saw ur comment…
Sir, if you are not of our faith, stop preaching in the comment box. Catholic priests are celibate in order to devote their lives entirely to the service of Christ and the Church. Celibacy is not a burden, but a calling, as Deacon John said, and not everyone is called to that kind of life. With all the duties that a priest has, it would not be fair to him, the Church, or his family for him to be dividing his time and affections like this. The Holy Spirit strengthens and purifies men to remain faithful to their priestly calling and all who call on the the Triune God to help, strengthen and purify them remain faithful to their vocation whether it is married life, single life, priesthood or the religious life. Jesus’ teachings are difficult. After Jesus proclaimed that He was the Bread of Life, many left, but He refused to reconsider what He had said. Read John 6 again, my friend, and study your Bible with those who understand it, not those who look to criticise other faiths
@ Roman Catholic
I am also a Roman Catholic. Frank Werfel who wrote the Song of Bernadette (Did you see the movie?) said, “To those who comprehend, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not comprehend no explanation is possible.” Yet, we are obligated to set them straight whether they believe or not. When God is good and ready, they will see the truth. Some, to their eternal happiness and others to their eternal detriment.
St. Paul said, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the Word of Eternal Life.”
i realize that you seem to be a man of the word of god, but we must understand that there a certain regulation in everything we do here on earth, now if someone choose a vocation as a priest he would have known what he is getting into and would understand that he would be leaving a celibate life, and there is a reason why the organization has such a regulation….. what u need to do is to find out why this is so….. also i am a man and i consider myself to be a very good man, i don’t do all the ill things that men do to their women and i am still single looking to find the right woman for me for the past 12 or so years and i am starting to wonder if that is how i am suppose to be or if i am not listening to gods calling …my point is even though the bible said that god gave adam a helper and that was eve it those not mean that everyone has to be married with a family. i am no bible scholar but i have common sense and bible teachings.
@ giving
During religious instructions when I attended the Convent High SchoolI vividly recall what we students were taught there are ‘three vocations’ in life.
1. the religious life
2. the married life
3. the single life
Whichever God has ordained. Think of this. We cannot all be priests, deacons, nuns, doctors, engineers, mothers and fathers etc.
The problem of some human beings is that they do not pray to God for guidance and direction. They think that they can depend on their own understanding. This is why people as J.J. Charles are misled. Such a person should pray to God for discernment for he does not have the right answer because he is not God and misleads others as he was mislead by false indoctrinators and misinterpreting Holy Scriptures to suit his mentality. I wonder what type of life he lives. God knows.
St. Paul said, remain in the position that God has placed you.
If we are in a doubt, we must pray to God for his enlightenment and guidance. Place God first and all these things will be handed unto you. Ensure that you treat others with due respect and dignity.
Keep in mind what Our Lord said: “Love God with all your heart and soul and love one another as you love yourself”. Obey His Commandments. This is all that matters to God and which will enable us to live in harmony and peace and to obtain eternal salvation.
You know the Ten Commandments of God, other teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the writings of the disciples as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Do not allow others to turn your head and away from this teaching. God bless you!
@ J.J. John Charles
Do you know where the soul of Tyndale and his likes are in eternity for their disobedience? Holy Bible teaches us to obey authority. Man, you are so misled that it is pathetic. I urge you to pray to God for discernment. I do believe that one day you will regret every word that you stated to your eternal detriment.
If you want to be married as well, one remains as a Deacon
But to be a priest, one takes the vows of celibacy
So the choice is available
Respect people’s choices.
We all have the volition of “free will”.Some men are called to be Enuchs and some Pastors,Bishops,Teachers e.t.c.We must all research the History of the Catholic Church from Constatine to today.Most of us in the Caribbean are automatically Catholics once we are born,because of our parents and family.I once was a Catholic.I am now a Spiritual Chritian and not a Soulic Christian.
The only way to Jehovah our Creator, is Jesus Christ.He is the only Mediator and the only one we should confess our sins to.
@ Collin
Once again you are interpreting Holy Scriptures according to your mentality. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS THE ANSWERS AS GIVEN TO IT, THE MANDATE BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH HIS ADVOCATE, THE HOLY SPIRIT. No other so-called religion was given this mandate. You do not have the answer. Save your breathe, words and time. You will find out one day.
@ Collin
Be careful! That free will can either save us or condemn us.
De Brakes why not a Pastor? You could still have the woman you loved and do the work of the Lord? Any how God is able to keep you from falling, just continue in Micah 6:8 and your new life will be blessed and rewarding.
@ G
As Our Lord said, “Get behind Me, Satan.”
Live a woman to be a priest. You must be really holy man. All the best.
The church instituted celibacy among its clergy for financial reasons, it was becoming too expensive for the coiffers of the catholic church to maintain priests and their families. A vow of celibacy meant no more families and descendants of priests for the church to support and provide with inheritances. Research the history of the church, when all you talking about ‘call to celibacy’. Not everything is of God….good luck boss, I doh see why a man cannot have a good and faithful wife and serve God at the same time, is not God that make woman as a ‘helpmate’ for man? Is when you leading a whole flock with all its issues and problems you need plenty help!
@ Irie
Read what Our Lord said: “You cannot serve money and other objects be it humans and serve God. You will either love one and hate the other.” Some of you are ignorant in Holy Scriptures. Whatever you state are not worthy to be taken as Gospel Truth. Do you ever need spiritual enlightenment.
@ justice and truth, woman you like too much drama, go put braces, the truth always hurt
You are right my dear. A priest is supposed to have one wife and be of unreproachable character that’s all. but if someone wants to be single that’s their prerogative it has nothing to do with calling. we believers in Jesus Christ need to stop arguing over nonsense don’t you all see the Muslims taking over.
well i hope you a strong enough to keep away from women, cause i tell you the devil is raging. best you had become a pastor and marry the young lady ehhh
@ me
Better yet to remain a Deacon if he will be yearning for the woman and later leave the priesthood and embarrass the Church further.
I read what The Mother of God, The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady said that, “It is better for them to leave rather than embarrass the Church.”
hold on and never let go no matter what the people of the world may say hold on and never let go! Congratulations
If this is what you choose to do with your life more power and respect to you. It’s your life do what you feel is most calming in spirit to you. I see the celibacy part have some people twisted, but many of you would be amazed at the number of non-religious people who have chosen to live a life of celibacy for various reasons.Sex is not the end of the universe. What I have trouble with is those who molest young boys and girls or secetly chase women/men behind the veil of celibacy. If you’re feeling your oats, check your sin and bounce, don’t live a lie.
Best wishes Branker!
Nicely said!
Original Eagle-Eye
Leave this up to God. In time, God takes care of all sinners, no exception yourself. Ensure that your soul is right before God and that you live a righteous life. This should be your concern.
@ Original Eagle-Eye
Are you any better? Many single men have done that throughout the years and impregnate women and children at that. Some of them were also married men. If those days were as it is in this present era, many men would be hauled to Court and also for child support. Some would be imprisoned for rape and child-rape. Keep this in mind and leave those Priests alone. They are men and are liable to sin as any human beings. As I have stated, God takes care of all sinners and will give them their just recompense as they deserve including you.
And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake shall receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. Matthew 19:29 KJV. Brakes my partner you have chosen wisely. Let He who has no name, guide you, protect you, provide for you and promote you. I say this prayer through the name of Him, whom no prayer shall go unanswered. Jesus the Christ of Nazareth. Amen
Perhaps if many more would listen, like “Branker” did…we would all be living a more fulfilled life. Whether you have chosen to follow a life of celibacy as a “priest” or to be a disciple for Jesus, your reward is in heaven John. Keep your eyes on that crown…that is the only crown which is important right now and that is the very best crown that you could have ever decided to go for, the ‘crown of eternal life’.
May God send His Angels to bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone….
@ +
The Pearl of Great Price.
Good for you brother but i’m off the belief that every man shd be entitle to marriage. Obama is for man on man and the catholic church won’t allow a man to a woman.
Serve God
@ Boyie
You should know that Obama is a politician. He is drumming up votes to remain in power. Some politicians, if not all of them will sell their souls to the devil to be elected.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?”
Obama is not The Pope, a Catholic or a Catholic Bishop, Priest or a Catholic laity. He is not to be compared with the Catholic Church Hierarchy and nowhere near them.
Frankly, I am disappointed in Obama and so are many people. I have a strong feeling that his goose is cooked and he may never get a second term.
Marriage is such a beautiful thing! A man leaves his mother and cleaves to his wife and multiplies. There are so many great pastors who takes wives and they are help mates to them. Some are also there assistant pastor and the serve the Lord very well. I’m just saying……..
@ Dominican in Atl
Who are you? We reside in an age of people with all sorts of ideas and ideologies. Many are led astray by false teachings of our times. Priests are different from the pastors you mentioned. Therefore, do not compare them as being one and the same.
Read Holy Scriptures: “You are a Priest forever…”? Our Lord did not say, ‘pastor’.
Congratulations!!!!!! continue to step out in faith…Life with Christ is wonderful, we are all called, but few of us listen…I will pray for you…..
@alice he can do what he want its not ur descision ok n i agreee with you ok cuz brakes
Journey’s ended, journey’s begun Deacon Brakes. There will be challenges and naysayers ahead, but the Lord is your sherperd and you shall never want. May you be the best deacon that you can be. We will continue to pray for you daily..
And GOD made man and woman and he blessed them and gave them the commandment saying be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.
And Aaron was the first priest and he had sons and they were priests after him and their sons after them…
No institution can tell a man that to be a member he has to be celibate; that is unnatural. This goes against the blessings of GOD and nature.
AMEN
@ A Voice
You are not the Catholic Church and you do not have a say in it. The Church has instituted the Priesthood and spoken through the Holy Spirit and no one and their mere incomprehensible evil, worthless ideas and words (Satan helps you along) could ever change that. When you die, you will see it.
God almighty will blossom your hands more than the economics with actual grace. Remain bless!
congrats to u brancker…wat u did was with a good heart stay strong
is time for them to make the law for priest to get married them man have blood and the bible say be fruitful and multiply it never say man should not have wife . it is so nice for a man to teach the word of god and have his nice wife on his side .not like BJ just one wife
@ possie
People as you make me shake my head in disgust. How unenlightened you are.
I do believe that some of you represent the devil and speak on his behalf and are doing his work. 
When last you prayed to God and for discernment of the truth?
Yes and a few separations and divorces and messes with several children with different women. What confusion! Do I have a lot to state about that.
@ possie
You are so ignorant in the knowledge of the truth as ordained by God. In addition, you do not comprehend what is contained in Holy Scripture. Your words do not count.
Truly a vocation, and not to be taken lightly. With God’s help and guidance he will succeed; and even if he doesn’t, it’s not jail, and God would forgive him. Blessings on your choice Mr. Branker.
CONGRATS DEACON
BRAKES MAY GOD STRENGHEN YOU AS YOU GO ON YOUR JOURNEY
@ JEM
WHEN YOU COME BACK NEXT YEAR IT WILL BE VERY CLOSE TO THE GENERAL ELECTION.YOU WERE ONCE A POLICIAN AND YOU KNOW WHAT GOES ON,THEREFORE I HOPE YOU WILL PUT DE BRAKES ON THEM CURRUPTED POLITICIANS.
calypso ! thinking of it you maybe want info for a song. it is better to have a wife than burn
@ show me the money
Money, the root of all evil. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “By your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”
@ Doc.Love
You are so narrow-minded and lack comprehension of the Word of God. Priests are only to speak up for the truth of Jesus Christ according to The Ten Commandments and as also contained in Holy Scriptures. They are not to interfere in the business of politics and politicians unless it pertains to human rights.
The people of Dominica needs spiritual leadership and I am confident that you will standup to fullfill that need.
@Pedro
I wish you were the one who is my brother in Jesus Christ, but regardless of if you are another Pedro, I embrace that saying of yours above.
I like the observation of John where he said “God speaks to us in silence–yes He does! I have that experience, throughout my relationship with Him, time and time again.
In quiet times God’s voice enters our mind by the power of Holy Spirit from conscience; He tells us to: “Be still and know that I am God”.
So many of us fail to let God have the authority in our lives, but we simply fail; for with God, through His Person, the Man Jesus Christ, human beings can do nothing
Those of us who only attend church on the certain day of church, as we go back to the noise and the haste of this world, for the next six days, we are not yet in relationship with God–because we have no quiet time to listen to God–certainly not in the church which we attend.
I pray that John will continue to go in the quiet places where he will hear the voice of God Almighty, through Holy Spirit, commanding him to do the works which will give God the glory–that is the only way God would continue to use him to do His work of reconciliation to mankind.
In these days and time, reconciliation to God is a crucial aspect in the lives of human beings–time is short; but so many of us are still ignoring that idea of becoming One with God by the connection of Holy Spirit through conscience.
@ Pedro
Hopefully. Pray for Christian unity. This is badly needed without which many will not obtain; eternal salvation, those who have caused division and disunity.
Gros pwele does make man do fings wi. But is better married to the Lord so stay strong my brother.
Our Lord is “The Groom.” His Church, Holy Mother The Church (Catholic) is “The Bride of Jesus Christ.” Pray for him and other priests. God wants our prayers. They need our prayers. God bless you!
Happy for you…good luck, continue to follow your heart and I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and guide you.
As a fellow Dominica will love and support you.
Be Happy
@ Wade
As a fellow Dominican who resides overseas, may God bless you for your encouragement in the Faith to Deacon John. Know that God does not miss anything. He knows, sees and hears all things. He is very much with His Catholic Church. No matter what befalls it, He will never forsake It, what He has founded. This is The Only Church that will stand until the end of time. God has ordained it to be so.
And you shall be called Father Brakes…next yr. Looking forward to it… May He tighten your belt for what is ahead of you…
@ zang
Father John. Respect for him and his vocation. No nickname.
@ zang
He needs this tightening of the belt. Please pray for him.
Because its the Lord who himself called you to this life of servcie he will sustain you my brother, congratulations….
Why oh why could he not serve the Lord and be married?
We can serve the Lord where He leads us. In Brancker’s case he CHOOSE (not forced) to be part of an organisatiuon where celibacy is a requirement. He is joining the ranks of millions of other men who made the same decision since the Catholic Church introduced this discipline. FYI, there are married priests in the Eastern Rite, and some of them choose to remein celibate. Brancker is in the Western Rite where celibacy is a requirement. Hope this helps.
@ Rama
You are well-learned. Many have stood the test and made it to Heaven, now saints. It is said, if we want to be holy and saints we should read the lives of the saints. I also hear a lot about those saints on Catholic TV and Radio – Eternal Word Television Network. I have some information about them. They are inspiring. God bless you!
That’s what I’m saying
My coment was for alice,that’s what I’m saying
comment
I could not «like» this comment enough.
Well said!
Congrats, Deacon John. I pray that the Creator will continue to guide and protect you.
Let the deacons be the husband of one wife,ruling their children and their own houses well.
Likewise must deacons be grave,not doubletongued,not given to much wine,not greed of filthy lucre.1 Tim.3:8&12
@ Tete Chien
A snake. Satan’s friend
having a wife is not a sin. I dont know what you talking about hope you dont go trouble little boys. If you can show me where in the bible that having a wife is wrong i will make my boys join you. stop making our creator look like he did not know what he was doing.
He could have served the LORD and still be married to the one that he loved. God intended for it to be that way. It should not be mandatory for one to be celibate to be a minister of the gospel. It should be a matter of ones on doing.
i agree with you For Christ. He mentioned so many times about the ‘woman he loved”. God created a woman to be a help meet to her man. I will never believe that God called him into the seminary with a broken heart. People must stop twisting the word of God. God saw that Adam was lonely that’s why He created Eve for him. I bet you whenver he sees this girl, his heart will skip a beat.
This is so true, Alice. Even the apostle Peter was a married man, as well as some of the other apostles. But,the church enforces celibacy on the priests, forbidding them to marry. Yet they claim that Peter was the first pope.
@ ..
You know nothing. The Catholic Church does not force celibacy on them. They chose, hopefully through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to become Priests. They have the option, to be or not to be Priests and to be or not be celibate. Prior to being ordained, taking their last vow, they are free to opt out.
Likewise, the Church does not force anyone to become a Catholic unlike those other religions who force people as also Catholics to join their religions, falsely indoctrinating them. As a Catholic, know that I know more than you do. Otherwise I could not state what I have stated, thanks be to God.
@ Alice
Take this to the Lord and ask him.
I love that saying.
There is a Jewish proverb. “Do not question God. He will say to you, if you want answers, come up here.”
Our Lord has appeared to some Catholics in the ancient days. If he approved that Priests should marry, He would have told “His Catholic Church” about it a long time ago. If you are not a genuine practicing Catholic or are not a Catholic or renounced your Catholic faith, you will never comprehend it. Do not ask why. Pray to God for this enlightenment.
Go for it Branker the Lord will continue to lead you
Hi Deacon John
We met when you came to speak to the Bishop on the matter.
I am certain that Father Auguiste and decease Father Moody are happy fishers.
The journey has just begun. I wish you heed the Bishop’s advice to be a priest for all people and please go out to meet the people.
Preach the gospel without fear our favour, but be respectful to all.
God bless you on your journey.
Who writes these articles?
i so feddup with these religious people i just don’t care
Who cares what you care about anyway?
well don’t read it . don’t comment on it.
Or maybe you actually do care.
@ yep
I made a mistake and gave you thumbs up. My intention was thumbs down. Well, the devil made me do it,
deceiver that he is. If you are fed up of religious people, then, you are already destined for Satan’s cauldron of everlasting fire. This is not something I wish for you. Please pray to God to assist you to resist this eternal fate where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth and Satan’s consistent taunting for your unfaithfulness to God.
very touching
i think that calls for an autobiography. i would surely buy it
may the spirit guide you my friend, i think your story will be alight for many of us young guys with tht question in the bac og our mind
My brother and friend, we’ve learnt from Cello that the Good Lord will never bring you and leave u so we know that you will do well. You have taken a path that many of us have contemplated but never travelled. May the roads continue to rise to meet you and may the Joy of the Lord always be your stength. “You better take it eze men”
amen for you brother
My brother Branker John in humanity, this is a satanic call.
The Lord has forbidden oppression on ourselves. The life of celibacy is oppression. You are not a messenger or prophet like Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him.
How could you exchange marriage for a life that was ordained by man? It was the church that enforced monasticism not Allah/God.
I pray one day Allah will guide you and you will open your eyes. I pray you will see through the evils and corruption of Catholic Church and their false religious dogma and come to submission to do the will of Allah/God. Amen.
And he would aslo have the option of having multiple wives. There is a non-catholic christian twist to that now, plagueing the country. The wives are breaking the record. No no no. No muslim for Brakes. He is free to make his own choice. He is not forced to. Good luck to Biancre. God is your giude. I would like to be baptised into your faith. You are strong.
I disagree with you.He said if you are strong enough to remain celebate it is better not to get married. But if you are weak to the flesh,it’s better to get married. It all depends on your spiritual strength.
lols
thanks i was stressed for a bit but your comment made me feel better.. DA people have a set of kixs yhear! Gotta love’em!
Pal….you done know most of the country ain’t like muslim…your words don’t help….if you need to bring down another’s religion to make you feel better about yours…you’re doing it wrong. …get it together or jump in the boiling lake. K.thnx.bai
@Afro–Muslim
Perhaps you do not know that Jesus encouraged a life of celibacy, when He told His disciples, if they can choose to remain unmarried go ahead and do so.
For those of you who have not yet read that in Bible or may not have understood its meaning–read it at Matthew 19: verses 11-12 My interpretation is correct
Again at Acts 8: 26-40 Holy Spirit guides Philip, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ, into a desert where he would meet with a Eunuch. Do you know what a Eunuch is? Well he is a man who lives a celibate life–he could have been born with that gift, he could have chosen to live that way, or his fellowman could have forced it on him.
Regardless of how this man is a Eunuch, he was sitting in his Chariot trying to read the Book of Isaiah, which he could not understand–that was the time God commanding Philip to go to him.
When Philip explained the message of Isaiah to the man, he believed and he was baptized. As him and Philip came out of the water, Philip vanished from the man’s presence. God haa accepted that man because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Was this the work of Satan, you are saying?
Again at Revelation 7 John is said to have seen 144,000 men chosen as men who will lead with Jesus in the future days. At Revelation 14 John tells us again that those 144,000 men are the ones who were “not defiled by women”, for they were virgins.
Those men, who never had wives, and never conducted sex in all of their days in this world will be the men in the Head office of Paradise with Jesus Christ–so to speak! Is this the work of Satan, you are saying?
I can show you many other scriptures where the Life of celibacy is higher than the Life of marriage, but I would write another long one, against which my people are always complaining.
But just so you do not forget, the Word of God says, that the world and everything in it is passing away.
That would include marriage as well, according to the apostle Paul. But most of all Jesus told the Sadducees, who would not believe Him, that in the resurrection they neither marry nor are the given in marriage; for they will live like angels in Heaven.
And what will is that? The BS that you preach in the name of Allah? You ppl are more hypocrites than the Catholics!
We understand why you cannot stand peace
The call of Mohammed who may be suffering in Hell for his disobedience, stubbornness, pride and sinfulness? Think about that.
Holy Scriptures: “Some people’s sins precede them to eternity. Others are followed by their sins.” This is the work of Mohammed.
Mohammed is not greater than Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note what Mohammed has left behind, hatred towards also women, shariah law and terrorism. If I were you, I would renounce this type of belief and conform your will to Our Almighty Father, God’s Will, through His Blessed Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. You will be happier for it during this life and happier when you die when the truth will be fully revealed to you.
@ Afro Muslim
Praise be to Jesus Christ.
Say hello to Allah if you find him.
Wow….may the Good Lord continue to direct your path in the way he sees fit.
wow! four mentions in one story about the ‘woman he loved.’ It really must have been tough mon!
my sentiments exactly..But hold strong my brother. U have accepted the call.
he’s still in love no doubt about that.
I was thinking of the same thing…why all that talk about ‘my woman’ one would think that would not be an issue; unless it is a smokescreen….for something in the closet……now that would not be overreaching considering his chosen profession.
@ Jo
Little do you know with your limited and narrow mind. You only think and make statements according to your mentality.
I attended an ordination of some Priests in Toronto. The following Sunday I attended one of them first Holy Mass and received his blessings as other parishioners. While conversing with him at the reception, he mentioned that he had a girlfriend and was supposed to get married but he chose the Priesthood for obvious reasons. I did not find it surprising. After all it is one of his life’s experiences. When they are being interviewed by the Media, it is expected that they will mention at least something about their past life. Do you expect them to forget it or say nothing about it even though they gave up that life? You need to think more and be broadminded.
@ hmm
Giving up such a life is indeed tough but God assists to strengthen them. Every one was not destined to get married as much as some people believe because they lack enlightenment. We hope that the women stay far away from him and allow him to be a Deacon and then a Priest. Pray for him too. We are to pray for them.
As a U.S. Priest stated, “You want holy Priests, be holy and pray for them!” The problem in the Catholic Church is that many of them may not have been praying for their Priests. Need I say more?
@ hmm
For all of us, it is not easy to give up such a life for the Lord and to follow the straight and narrow path which leads to Heaven but it is worth the sacrifice.