THE former head of the Catholic Church in Jersey, who held the post for almost 20 years, has died, prompting a stream of tributes from Islanders.
Monsignor Canon Nicholas France, who was 81, was the Roman Catholic Dean of Jersey from 1999 to 2018, when he was known for his service to the Catholic community and local minority groups.
During his tenure he worked to restore St Thomas’ Church and to ensure that immigrant communities felt welcomed and supported.
His efforts included setting up a local Catholic social-action charity, launching free English language classes for newcomers to the Island and creating a weekly meeting space for young Christians through the Jersey Association of Catholic Youth.
He also spoke out about housing inequality and called for fairer treatment for immigrant families.
Recognised with an MBE in 2014 for his work with faith and ethnic groups, he was also known for his engaging sermons and ability to connect with his congregation.
Born in Worthing, Mgr France was ordained in 1968 and arrived in Jersey in 1999.
Initially reluctant about the move, he later described his 19 years on the Island as among the “most happy and fulfilling of my life’’.
After retiring at the age of 75, as required by canon law, and meeting Pope Francis during his final year in office, Mgr France spoke to the JEP about his time on the Island.
“Obedience to my bishop, promised on the day of my ordination, was best tested whenever he or his successors asked me to move to a new work or parish,” he said. “In 1999 I was preparing for the Millennium in Southampton when all of a sudden the bishop asked me to come to Jersey. I was horrified at first – Jersey is part of the Diocese of Portsmouth, but it was the last place I wanted to go.
‘‘It was a huge job and I was the first to put the English and the French Catholic parishes together – St Thomas’ with its French tradition, and St Mary and St Peter’s with its Irish-English traditions.”
Housing Minister Sam Mézec, who worked with Mgr France on issues connected to rental accommodation, paid tribute to the late priest on social media yesterday.
Deputy Mézec wrote: “Nicholas was an absolutely lovely man who was passionately committed to social justice in Jersey. He played a crucial role in helping to set up the Living Wage campaign.
“I was very grateful for the help he provided on constituency cases too. Rest in peace.”
Also writing on social media yesterday, Deputy Carina Alves said she was “deeply saddened” to hear the news.
“He was a prominent, caring and supportive person throughout my life growing up in Jersey and the Catholic Church,” she said.
“He gave me boundless encouragement when I first stood for election, signing my nomination paper, praising me in public and urging others to support me.”
The Catholic Church in Jersey issued a statement calling for prayers and reflection.
Canon Dominic Golding, his successor as Catholic Dean, said: “Many of us will long treasure the ministry of Mgr Nicholas. His pastoral work in Jersey touched many people’s lives. He lived under the guidance of the gospel. Let us pray now for his soul to rest in peace.”
