Born November 20, 1946, Karaikal, India

Passed away November 29, 2025

at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital

79 years of age

Ordained a priest: May 29, 1979

46 years, 6 months

On August 19, 2025, Father Julien boarded an airplane at the Grande Prairie airport for a three-month vacation to his country and family. While there, he was able to visit with his brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, family and friends.

On his return to Grande Prairie, Fr. Julien shared with the chancery staff the joy he felt of meeting his siblings and family, for good Indian food, for his time at home. However, Father also shared that he had experienced health issues that caused him worries. Indeed, since early 2018, Father Julien was starting to face a number of health issues; the need to monitor diabetes and a decline in kidney function. The archdiocese removed Father from active parish ministry offering to Father Julien to take care of his health and serve as a replacement priest when needed. Placement for Father Julien was acquired at the new Lakeview Lodge in Clairmont. He took up residence there in May or June of 2018. There, he was given permission to celebrate daily Mass for the residents.

In October 2022, Father Julien started home dialysis. This procedure gave him the opportunity to continue to serve and to live a fairly unrestricted life. However, in early 2025, having surpassed this dialysis procedure, Father was informed that he would likely need to increase his home treatments and even be subject to in-patient dialysis care.

Father Julien returned from his vacation on Saturday, November 22, 2025. On Wednesday the 26th, he was admitted to the Grande Prairie Regional hospital where he underwent a number of medical tests. He was scheduled to fly to Edmonton on Monday the 1st of December. Father passed away Saturday afternoon shortly after 2:00 pm having suffered a heart attack.

May he now rest in the comforting presence of God!

Father Julien was ordained for the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, India.

Fr. Julien was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan December 1, 2011. He served many communities as parish priest, and later, as replacement priest: Sexsmith, Bezanson, Grimshaw, Whitelaw, Peace River, Valleyview, Grouard, Peavine, Gift Lake, Atikameg, John D’Or, Fox Lake, Garden River, Fort Vermilion, High Level, Paddle Prairie and Meander River. I have certainly missed some.

May our memories of Father Julien

bring joy to our heart and a smile to our face.

A Viewing will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 12:30pm, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St.). Funeral Mass to follow at 2:00pm. Interment to follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Ave & 112th St.)

A Livestream link will be available through the Archdiocese’s Facebook page, please use the link below.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke of Canada (200 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V2), or to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (202, 11227 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L5).