What Catholic women want to know: Interview with Fr Jayson Grell

Fr Jayson Grell FMI is a priest from Dominica, living in Trinidad and Tobago for the last 14 years. He is an absolute joy to be around. Here’s everything you need to know about Fr Jayson!

What order/congregation do you belong to?

FMI – Les Fils de Marie Immaculee (Sons of Mary Immaculate)

How long have you been a priest?

Over 14 years.

Where are you from?

Dominica.

What made you decide to become a priest?

I did not really know I wanted to be a priest, I just knew that I wanted to serve the people in a way and that opened doors. I wanted to serve and bring joy to people. Bringing comfort to people was more powerful for me than winning a million dollars.

What do you love the most about being a priest?

I love to see people on fire for Jesus. I love to see people having a passion for Jesus.

What’s your original parish?

I belonged St Mark’s parish in Dominica.

Do you have siblings? How many?

Yes! One brother, one sister. I am in the middle.

Do you play any musical instrument?

Yes, the guitar and keyboard.

What’s your favourite Trini thing to eat?

I like how you all make the crab and dumpling and bake and shark.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when you put in the effort on your end, and you don’t see it on the other side especially during Mass.

Do you have a favourite Bible verse?

Yes! I have two favourites. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” and Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Who is your favourite woman in the Bible?

The Blessed Virgin Mary, of course.

What’s your favourite feast day?

The Feast of John the Baptist is my birthday. I always used to wonder how my mother made me on the day a man got his head cut off. John stood on the side of truth and justice.

What is your favourite thing to do on your day off?

My favourite thing to do is to exercise and go to the beach.

What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?

I am a cool fella who is excited about life, Church, and the world. What you see is what you get! I am a real guy that is down-to-earth and have a huge heart for the people.