July 22, 1938 – December 26, 2024
Father Roland M. Julien, a beloved priest of the Diocese of St. Augustine, entered eternal life on Dec. 26, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. A man of deep faith, unwavering compassion and quiet humility, Father Julien’s nearly six decades of ministry left an indelible mark on the countless lives he touched.
Born July 22, 1938, in Ogdensburg, N.Y., Father Julien was the son of Clarence M. Julien and Germaine Roy. He grew up with three sisters and moved with his family to Daytona Beach in 1948. After graduating from St. Paul Catholic School, he pursued his calling at St. Thomas Seminary in Conn. and St. Mary’s Seminary in Md. Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley ordained him to the priesthood for the Diocese of St. Augustine on April 25, 1965, at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.
Father Julien’s ministry included many roles and responsibilities throughout the 17-county region of the Diocese of St. Augustine and beyond when the diocese included all of Florida except west of the Apalachicola River in the Panhandle:
▪ Early assignments as parochial vicar at St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Parish in St. Petersburg and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
▪ Administrator and pastor of several parishes, including St. Ambrose Parish in Elkton, Our Lady of Victory Parish in Crestview and St. Madeleine Sophie Parish in High Springs.
▪ Dean of the Gainesville Deanery from 1991 to 2008, where he provided leadership and pastoral support to area clergy.
▪ Appointed to the Presbyteral Council, where he served from 1995 to 2006, offering advice and guidance to the bishop on diocesan matters.
▪ Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry from 1968 to 1972, where he inspired and supported young Catholics in their faith journey.
In 1980, Father Julien was named pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Gainesville, a role he held for 35 years until he retired from full-time ministry in 2015. Under his leadership, St. Patrick’s
experienced significant growth, including constructing a new church to replace the provisional church built in 1965, expanding its school facilities and establishing vital ministries.
Beyond parish life, Father Julien championed the diocese’s outreach and evangelization efforts. He was instrumental in starting a Catholic radio station, WWLC 88.5 FM, to broadcast Catholic programming in the Cross City area. Although the station closed due to financial challenges, his vision for utilizing media to spread the Gospel remains a testament to his dedication.
Father Julien also served as president of St. Francis House in Gainesville, ensuring the shelter continued to provide food and temporary housing to those in need. He co-founded the Action Network, advocating for resources like expanded public transportation for vulnerable populations.
Known for his humor, love of photography and late arrivals—often attributed to his habit of helping others—Father Julien’s impact extended to every corner of his community. Parishioners and colleagues alike admired his humility, tireless service and unwavering faith.
Father Julien is predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Germaine Julien; his sister, Gloria Desrochers; and his nephew, Raymond T. Gant. He is survived by two sisters, Carmen Gant (Raymond) of Port Orange and Claire Lakner (James) of Sunnyvale, Calif.; four nieces, Janet Applegren (Gant) of Port Orange, Laura Hughes (Gant) of New Smyrna Beach, Aimee Moore (Desrochers) of Fairbanks, Alaska and Sharon Haga-Jacques (Gant) of New Smyrna Beach; and one nephew, Michael Gant of Lake Helen; nine grandnieces and nephews, 10 great-grandnieces and nephews and good friends and their families who assisted with his care for several years, Kathy Mladinich (Chris) and Maureen Sheehan-Carney and Colleen Carney, all of Gainesville.
Visitation is Sunday, Jan. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Ave., Gainesville. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s, with Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier as the principal celebrant and Father Michael Williams as the homilist.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick Catholic Interparish School or St. Francis House in Gainesville in honor of Father Julien’s enduring legacy of faith, service and love.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21
