On May 10, Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts proudly welcomed Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities, to its commencement ceremony.
In recognition of his remarkable commitment to social transformation and compassionate service to society’s most vulnerable, Msgr. Ramkissoon was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Each year, Regis College sends two teams of students on mission trips to Mustard Seed Communities, fostering meaningful connections with residents in both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. This ongoing partnership is a true privilege and reflects our shared commitment to faith, service, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. Regis College’s continued presence and support have made a lasting impact on our communities and mission.
The honor was presented by Dan Leahy, Associate Vice President for Ministry and Service at Regis College and a devoted mission volunteer.
The following is the speech Dan delivered during the presentation of the degree:
“Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, my good friend.
Born into a close-knit family of thirteen in Trinidad West Indies, you are filled with an unwavering spirit of joy and service. Raised in the Hindu tradition, your early education at a Muslim elementary school and a Catholic secondary school shaped your life-long commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
With a keen awareness of social justice, you pursued degrees in economics and geography with an emphasis on physical planning from the University of West Indies in Jamaica. It was during your time at graduate school that you recognized systematic change requires both a deep understanding of financial structures and the ability to design communities that lift up the most vulnerable.
Continuing to witness the harsh realities of poverty, especially among homeless and abandoned children, you were moved to action and in 1978 with a loan of $600 you built a basic school for the children living in a squatters’ community, laying the foundation for what would become Mustard Seed Communities.
Yet, you were called to something greater. You came to understand that true transformation requires spiritual nourishment.
This realization led you to pursue post-graduate degrees in Philosophy and Theology at Boston College. You were ordained a Catholic priest in 1984; embracing from the Gospel of Matthew 25, you chose to care for the least among us, dedicating yourself fully to the expansion of Mustard Seed Communities.
What began as a single home for a handful of children in Jamaica has grown into a global network of homes, schools, small businesses across Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa today. Mustard Seed Communities cares for over 650 abandoned and disabled children and is the largest non-governmental organization in the Caribbean.
Through your profound ability to walk in another’s shoes, you have received countless accolades, and yet for you the greatest achievement is found in the lives of the over 15,000 volunteers you have helped through your mission. Your passion for a faith that does justice has moved generations of volunteers to selfless service including the students at Regis College, who bring hope to those in need.
Monsignor Gregory, you bring hope, generosity of spirit, and are truly inspirational. For your tireless dedication, compassionate leadership, and the extraordinary ability to know God’s presence in the people you serve.
Written on all of the walls of all the residences in the Mustard Seed Family is “Él está aquí,” He is here, and “Gracias, Señor,” Thank you, Lord. Regis College is honored to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Congratulations.”
At Mustard Seed Communities, we believe that faith comes alive through love and service.
Regis College’s recognition of our founder, Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, reflects the values we hold at our core. Msgr. Gregory’s vision continues to guide our mission to care for the most vulnerable and to remind us all of God’s presence in every person we serve. We are deeply grateful to Regis College for their continued support and partnership. Together, we are planting seeds of hope and building a world rooted in unconditional love.