The year 2021 marks Reverend Father Joseph Hercule’s jubilee of service. For the occasion, a whole series of activities are planned. This year, the anniversary coincides with the feast of Saint Joseph de L’Asile.
His dream has always been to become a priest and serve God.
Winner of his graduating class at Lycée Alexandre Pétion, young Hercule was accepted at the major seminary in Port-au-Prince, without having taken the entrance exams. He is a former “enfant de coeur” at the Saint Antoine de Vieux Bourg parish and a member of the church choir. His family has always advised him to take the priestly path.
Persecuted by dictator Francois Duvalier, the Jesuits of the congregation to which the seminarian belonged were forced to leave the country.
In 1971, Hercule was ordained a transitional deacon for a period of one month. The same year, he was ordained “Priest” at Notre Dame des Cayes Cathedral by Monseigneur Goin, Bishop of Les Cayes at the time.
Priest in 8 parishes, currently retired at Saint Joseph de L’Asile parish since 2014, priest Joseph Hercule also served at Sainte Cécile de Pliché parish between 1975 and 1981.
Between 1978 and 1988, he was parish priest at Saint Jean Du Sud parish. From July 1988 to March 1997, he was parish priest at Saint Anne de L’Anse à Calf. At the parish of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, He headed it between 1997 and 2005. Between October 2005 and August 2009, Father Hercule was appointed parish priest at Saint Francois Exavier parish in Fond des Blancs.
In 2009, he was appointed to St Joseph’s parish in Torbeck, leaving in 2010.
And finally, before retiring, he served God at Saint Michel des Nippes parish between 2010 and 2013.
Today, the Reverend says he is grateful to the Lord for allowing him to remain faithful to the ministry all these years.
In robust health, the octogenarian still conducts masses, baptisms and sometimes funerals.
To young people aspiring to become priests, Hercules recommends putting their vocations to the test by exercising their faith.
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