Father Robert C. Seay

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The distinguished ministry of Father Robert C. Seay seamlessly blends pastoral devotion with an enduring commitment to civil rights and education. Educated at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland School of Art, Father Seay entered religious life as a Franciscan brother in 1966. While teaching in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his passion for structural advocacy flourished as he served on the mayor’s educational task force and co-founded the Fort Wayne-South Bend National Black Catholic Caucus.

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Discerning a call to the priesthood, he completed graduate theological studies at Pope John XXIII National Seminary and Harvard University. Following his ordination as a Franciscan priest, Father Seay became a vital force for social and racial reconciliation in major urban centers. In Memphis, he championed anti-poverty programs and addiction recovery; in Boston, he served as a diocesan urban consultant pioneering innovative school frameworks; and as pastor of Our Lady of Charity in Brooklyn, he became a prominent peacemaker during a period of heightened racial tension. His leadership earned him two Outstanding Citizen’s Awards, an appointment to the New York City Mayor’s pastoral council, and a briefing invitation to the Reagan White House.

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Most recently, Father Seay spent 18 years as pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church—a historically African American parish in Lafayette, Louisiana—and Chancellor of Holy Family tri-parish school. Though he stepped down from full-time parish administration at age 84 after four decades of formal service, his devotion remains undiminished. Today, Father Seay continues to actively serve the Church, bringing his rich wisdom and pastoral care to the faithful whenever called upon.

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