He was crowned Calypso Monarch in 1997 and 1999 under the name “De Brakes.”
He was a senator, engaged to get married and intended to study economics.
But on Saturday, June 29 Branker John will take a different path in life when he is ordained a Roman Catholic priest.
The ceremony is expected to take place at the Roman Catholic Church in Colihaut and will presided over by Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire.
John is from the village of Colihaut and is the son of Gretta Philogene and Blaize John. He worked in many government ministries including the fisheries division, the department of Local Government and Community Development as a Community Development Assistant and District Development Officer, among others.
In 1999 he was appointed senator in the parliament of Dominica.
He ran as a United Workers Party candidate for Colihaut in the 2000 general elections but lost.
He is well known in the calypso arena for his hit songs “Remember me the Malaway”, “Keep the Candles Burning”, “Jam De Brakes on Dem” and “Workers”.
He was ordained a deacon last year.
The ceremony is expected to begin at 4:00 pm.
Proud proud Proud thats how I feel God bless you Sing a new song unto the Lord TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Proud proud Proud thats how I feel God bless you Sing a new song unto the Lord TO GOD BE THE GLORY
All the best my dear! I know u have the potential and that AMA would b very proud of u
congrates my priest. god works in marvelous ways. he called you to lead his people. praise the lord and we will pray for more like you.
ongratulation Fr. John may God continues to bless you with wisdom, knowledge and guidance on your new journey. Many people are very proud of you don’t let yourself and them down.
May God continue to Bless you Deacon John, seek His face always and He will be there for you.
Congratulations to you Fr.John. Continue to nurture your people:)
May God bless you as you serve Him through your vocation. He has sent you to bring the good news to the poor; tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more; tell blind people that they can see; and go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come.
our congratulations to Rev John on his ordination as a catholic Priest.As my one who have worked with Brother John in the United Workers Party i am proud of his spiritual achievement. May god continue to shine his face upon him and bless him abundantly
all the best
Well, the world too full of people already.. how many millions of starving hungry people.. why the urge to ‘multiply’ and make even more? If anything, half the world should turn gay- sort out the starvation problem quite nicely…
Oh,– I get it—-The man went through 6-10yrs of training so you could tell him what to do and think? great!
congrats to you father from the lady of la sio parish sure father C is proud of you love you my god guide you and bless you
Can you still go up for uwp?
I clicked on the wrong botten
Wow cuz you made this far do you need a keyboard player
Dear Fr. John, God has called you he will sustain you. Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world. God bless you always.
Am proud to be a Catholic
Congrats Bro. Remembering his nailed pierced hands..Glory!
Gods bless you. I hope you still get married. I’ve never seen anywhere in the bible priest shoudn’t get married. Getting married is one way to walk according to the word of God.
I guess you know that celibacy is on of the vows he took right? would he have chosen that vocation if he wanted to be married? get real man#
done know brakes workers…well now for god
If I was in DA, I surely would attend, as my long time friend, we used to be playing dominoes in the Colihaut police station
I do hope that the candles will continue to light to brighten up ur path and may the good Lord continue to guide and protect u.
I do hope that ur aunt Agatha will be coming down for the ordination., I wish u all the best
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Congratulations, may god be with you always and in all ways. Definitely a Paul of Tarsus moment.
Congregations….
May god bless you.
Good luck in the pristhood keep the faith and also keep the the candle burning according to your song.
I don’t know about the “god bless you” thing. But this man is either wise or smart. His check is sure, allowances, free transportation, free gasoline, no rent, no light bills, no food to buy, NO WOMAN EXPENSES. But why didn’t I think of becoming a Priest?
Frabo: Some men are attracted to the Roman Catholic priesthood for the wrong reasons.
However, your comments are both foolish and cruel. No man goes into the priesthood for any of the reasons you have mentioned. How do I know? Because a man who can qualify for ordination could get a secular job that is less demanding and pays more.
Considering the high level positions Branker John has held and the salaries he has made he would never leave that world of opportunity for no rent to pay, no food bills, and free food!
I am not a Roman Catholic. I am a Pentecostal evangelist. Mr. John and I disagree on things. But he has a right to speak his message and I have a right to speak mine. If we ever meet I hope we’ll be able to talk. Until then I will pray for him and invite him to pray for me. I wish him well!
Please understand that most men entering the priesthood do so for one reason and that is to serve God. There are many dedicated hard working priests. Some like Mr. John have sacrificed much to follow that path.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
“Anonymous,” I wish that you’d speak of things you know about. You even know why men become priest? I rest my case.
rev hill you on same boat with that’s why you defending
And knowing the humility of this gentleman, I am positive that Father John will be more than happy to discuss with you.
It’s so refreshing to hear such openness and genuine love with ppl. of different faiths, we do have more in common than in our differences—-we love the Lord and strive to obey Him and live by his example.
why are u allowing the devil to let u say things like that? where is your positive mental attitude? you need that
You lack godly enlightenment, graces and blessings. Only those as you would consider making such a statement.
You did not think of becoming one because God did not call you. The Holy Spirit must inspire you.
As the saying, “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies The Call.”
Know that priests give up their personal life and time to serve God’s people for the salvation of souls. They could work for an exorbitant sum of money but prefer working in the Lord’s vineyard. They deserve their pay which is next to nothing, rent and food. They work for it too and harder than employees in the secular world who work for much more income. Generally, they are on call 24/7. Their time is not theirs.
The parishioners/congregation in turn must give almsgiving for their livelihood, for Church maintenance and other relevant expenditure.
Wow! so proud of you, you could not have said it any better! Thank you! God bless.#
What kind of silly comment is that? Free Food? Free Gas??? You forgetting the hustles of being a priest? Daily and Weekly masses, meetings, funerals, weddings, not forgetting anointing the sick and actively trying to bring back some of us to GOD.
Frabo.
Hello I was thinking the same thing. Does the Catholic Church pay taxes on their property or they just taking our money and sending it to the Vatican. Why are there so many statues in the Catholic Church and can someone tell me what the Bible say about statues. I think he saw an opportunity to raise his standard of living in that way he can asked for collections. Also Frabo both of us can join the Priest hood and be responsible for the funds. Open your eyes my people this is just a business.
The life of a priest is one of sacrifice. The priesthood is not a choice for a man desiring benefits. Brancker has chosen to lay aside material and wealth for a life of simplicity to serve Christ and others. This is not an easy call, and he accepted. Let’s pray and encourage him in the path he has chosen.
To GOD be the glory, great things he has done. I’m shivering after reading all these warm wishing from everyone. The last time we ran into each other at the Airport in SanJuan we had a great conversation. The singing you will be doing will be the best you’ve ever done. Now go sing unto to the Lord a new song.
Congratulations to our cousin, we wish you all the best!!!!!
Congrats and God’s blessings from a friend and fellow Catholic.
to each his own . .
Don’t backslide Branker like a few guys we know in DA
My Partner Brakes!
Congrats brakes or should Icall you Fr Brakes?.The other became priest and missed the skirts and old life. Brakes did the reverse. Check his vibes then found christ.
When he is ordained from thereon you must call him Father and by his correct name. Give him his dues. I am certain he will not mind if in private you call him by the name you knew him.
In Toronto I knew one who was in the Seminary which is located in the same parish where I reside. He helped out in the Church as part of his learning process of becoming a priest. We called him by his name.
The following Sunday after his ordination, he celebrated his first Holy Mass at that parish Church. We received his first blessing after the Mass.
At the reception held in his honor and to give parishioners the opportunity of meeting him personally, we were invited to receive individual blessing from him.
After he blessed me, even though I knew him by his first name, I addressed him, “Father… May God bless you” and I wished him well.
Always respect a priest. No nickname. This is past and gone. He should not be reminded of his former days unless he brings it up. Please keep this in mind.
Holy Scripture: “The old has gone. The new has come.”
Pray for him. If it is possible, I hope you attend his ordination. May God bless you!
Love this—-give everyone their title and their dues, they deserve it
God bless you brakes, branca, father john!! respect from all aspect!!one love!!
Brakes, I was hoping for us to have couple of beers before you left for your ordination. I still can’t believe but have come to accept the calling that came your way. I guess he really works in mysterious ways. Anyway bro, I wish you the best. I only ask that you perform your duty within the era we leave in. Break from tradition in order to have the greatest impact in the community. We’re not in the Bronze Age. For starters open a Facebook account for the parish, and please loose the Ephods and the fancy robes when you do mass. By the way, I have a rain check on the beers.
You’re not asking the about to be ordained to break from tradition are you? why do you think he obeyed God’s call to the priesthood? are you ok?
Brancker, I am so proud of the man that you have become. I wish you all the best as you start this journey. You are in my prayers and I know that the love of Christ will sustain you.
God Bless you Brakes!
Oh My God, this is wonderful, My dear cousin will be Ordained, God bless you Cuz, aunty Gretta must definately be proud of you, as for Mom, I am sure she is delighted.
Blessings.
It is an honor to have a priest in the family. A Priest to pray for you. Every time he celebrates Holy Mass and also in private, he will be praying for his family. Just imagine the blessings and graces all of you will receive. Do not forget to always pray for him.
My boy u can still get married, after a hard days work u need the company to rub d back and get d muscles relaxed for the next day. all d best Mr. John
Yes I think that the priests can get married. Who say you can’t be married and serve God. The tradition set by men of being married to the church cannot be correct. Celibacy should be a choice not thrust on anyone.
This comes from no other than Satan, Lucifer, the dragon, the detractor and destroyer of souls who is always setting a trap for our priests. No exception for people like you.
You’ll marry him!!!### crazy!!!—do you know the vows of the priesthood? they know what they’re getting into, no one held a gun to their heads! do you think if marriage was on his radar he would have obeyed God’s calling to the priesthood?
Congratulation Branker. Boy Class of 1989 at St Joseph Secondary School, Now ITSS has produced a variety. You see us in all walks of like. Ma Lafond…. Ted Serrant…Brade….and the rest lift your head high.
Not the same heartbreak that landed him in reconciliation and the path he is now walking? Leave the man alone. It’s not for everyone and I am sure he made that choice weighing all the options. Branker good luck in your humble choosing, I guess you found your true calling. All the best brother, I’m happy for you.
God Bless u Branker, keep that candle burning for Christ
i hope u will put a stop to them… jam the brakes on them
Saturday will be a joyous one !
Will be there in spirit !..listening via the net.
Congrats Branker!!!!
God Blessings and guidance,my man,
Good Luck in your new endevour,Jah Guide;
Wishing you all the best my dear, continue walking in God’s light. I heard Swinging Stars will be in Colihaut on Sunday hope you will sing for us (Keep the candle burning & Remember me the Malaway) LOL
I would expect his ordination and by extension his homily to reflect the social conscience of the population. He has lived among the people and interact with the different publics. I do expect his ordination as a man of the cloth to be business as usual, I do not expect him to take sides but to speak the truth and guide his congregation. Dominica is at the sross roads now and we expect a few good men to rise and defend Waitikubuli. Rev John My honest and warmest congratulations to you, i pray that you will be guided along the path of truth justice and righteousness in the liberation of the masses, May the Lord be you light and salvation, Spread the Love REV.
the way to go. God had called u and u have listened to hos Call. May God guide and protect u as u shepherd his flock
I am SO proud of him!! May God continue to bless him!!
Congrats dear friend❤
a perfect husband.there is still time to say no!! just kidding.
God bless you Mr. John. We look forward to your work in Dominica in spreading the Gospel of Christ.
You have been called by God to do his work, so do just that.
God Bless and guide you always….you will continue to sing for the Lord…Wonderful..
Anything positive, I applaud. As God have blessed you, you’re choosing in turn to bless others. Congrats on your ordination, Fr John!
i would love to be there
Me too:(
God bless Branker. May God lead you to sherperd his flock. Now not longer Branker – Father John. Mt prayers with you.
Congratulations, Brother in Christ from the St. Croix Catholic Community.
Congratulations Branker, wish you God’s speed in your journey, spreading the word of the Almighty. Continue to keep the candles burning. At this time in our development, Dominica more than ever needs prayers and light. A very dark cloud looms over this country and I pray like many other persons for God’s intervention. I am out of island but my thoughts are with you Brakes. Love you always, you were a very good colleague, warm and gentle person and I enjoyed working with you at Local Government Department. God Bless! Amen!
God bless. Hoping to be there