Quebecer pursues priesthood amid signs of Catholic revival

Jeremy-Marie Joly, 40, is embarking on a path to priesthood, a decision that has raised eyebrows among his family and friends who knew him as an avid sports enthusiast and engineering student. Growing up in Gatineau, Quebec, his family prioritized sports over religion, and Joly himself played hockey and soccer, worked in manual labor, and pursued electrical engineering before feeling a different calling.

“

They saw it as, I won’t have my brother beside me to live this life that we imagine, where you have your own kids.

His decision to enter the seminary in Montreal was met with confusion by his large family, who couldn't fathom him not having his own children. However, Joly's journey reflects a broader, albeit nascent, trend. After decades of dwindling congregations, some churches in Quebec are reporting increased attendance, particularly from a younger demographic showing a renewed interest in Catholicism.

Joly explained that his decision stemmed from deep philosophical and spiritual questions about life and his place in the world. He found himself contemplating the importance of love and service in a society often driven by materialism. "We live in a world where money is really important and we tend to ignore the dignity of many people just on the corner of the street," he said.

“

We live in a world where money is really important and we tend to ignore the dignity of many people just on the corner of the street.

He found his answer in the image of Jesus on the cross, interpreting it as the ultimate act of self-gift. "It's the gift of one's life for another person, freely by choice, not by obligation, not by forced liberty, and so I wanted to follow that to impact the world in a better way than engineering can ever do," Joly stated. This revelation led him to pursue his vocation at Montreal's Grand Séminaire.

“

It’s the gift of one’s life for another person, freely by choice, not by obligation, not by forced liberty, and so I wanted to follow that to impact the world in a better way than engineering can ever do.

Rev. Robert Gauthier, head of the Grand Séminaire, acknowledges the significant decline from the hundreds of candidates in the 1960s and the 60 ordinations per year in the late 1980s. The institution now typically trains 10-12 priests and ordains about two annually. Despite the modest numbers and a move to more modest facilities six years ago, Gauthier sees hope. He notes a movement with hundreds of adults, many young, attending confirmation preparation and full communion meetings, indicating a potential spiritual revival.

“

There’s a movement, there’s something that’s happening.