Prince of Peace Parish

Fr. Francis Joseph O.C.D.

Parochial Vicar
Phone: 386-672-5272

Fr. Francis Arakal Joseph, OCD, was born in Ezhupunna, in the state of Kerala, south India. He is one of five siblings, two brothers and two sisters. One brother is a Diocesan priest and one of his sisters is a Dominican nun. Fr. Francis feels he has been so blessed to be born of devout Catholic parents, both of whom are deceased.

Fr. Francis joined the Discalced Carmelite Order and was ordained a priest in India in 1979. He has his Bachelors in Divinity and Masters in Psychology. While serving as a priest in India, he had the opportunity to be involved with the education and formation of the seminarians. He has lived in several Carmelite Communities and also served as Pastor in two parishes.

Fr. Francis came to USA in the year 2000. From 2000 to 2016 he served as the Associate Pastor in several parishes in the Dioceses of Fresno, California and Stockton, California. In 2016, he joined the Diocese of Orlando. From 2016 to 2021, he served as the Associate Pastor at the Holy Name Jesus Church in Indialantic, Our Lady of the Springs, Ocala and Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala. He has been the Spiritual Assistant to the St. Joseph’s OCDS Community in Modesto, California and currently is serving as the Spiritual Assistant of St. Joseph’s OCDS Community in Palm Bay, Florida.