Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon: Founder, Mustard Seed Communities

In 1978, responding to the heart-wrenching reality of children with disabilities abandoned on the streets of Jamaica, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon founded Mustard Seed Communities (MSC). Witnessing the marginalized families’ struggle to provide for these children, Monsignor Gregory took decisive action. Identifying unused land, he gathered support from friends and secured funding to establish the first Mustard Seed home in Kingston, offering refuge to those in desperate need.

Born in Trinidad, West Indies, as the fifth of 13 children, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon holds degrees in Urban Planning, Philosophy, and Theology from Boston College. Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1984, he felt a calling to address poverty in developing countries. What began as a small home for a handful of children has evolved into a network of homes, schools, and small businesses across Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Mustard Seed Communities, guided by Monsignor Gregory’s vision, remains dedicated to nurturing faith among the impoverished through diverse social initiatives.

Recognizing his impactful contributions, on July 22, 2009, the Most Rev. Donald Reece recommended to the Pope that Father Gregory Ramkissoon be elevated to the status of Monsignor. In July 2009, he was named Rev. Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon O.J., C.D., Papal Chaplin. On August 6, 2010, he received the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth-highest award. In 2011, Msgr. Ramkissoon was appointed Vicar General within the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica. His tireless dedication continues to shape Mustard Seed Communities’ mission and inspire positive change globally.