Father John Unni

Father John Unni is pastor of Saint Cecilia Parish at the intersection of Boston’s Back Bay, Fenway, and South End neighborhoods. Saint Cecilia is a welcoming and inclusive parish community with a commitment to charitable involvement and issues of social justice. Father John feels called to be with those who may find themselves down and out, wrestling with addiction or life, and with those who are homeless or lost “literally or spiritually.” He actively partners with community leaders who strive to make a difference in people’s lives.

A graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont (B.A. English), he taught high school English and then attended St. John’s Seminary (M.Div). Ordained in 1992, Father John served at St. William Parish in Dorchester, St. Richard Parish in Danvers, and as chaplain at Northeastern University. He has served as pastor of St. Cecilia Parish for the past sixteen years.

In 2017, Father John was appointed Assistant Fire Chaplain for the City of Boston. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Pine Street Inn, Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain, St. Cecilia’s House, a residence for seniors of limited income in the Fenway, and St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, which tends to the health care and educational needs of the poor in Haiti. He is also on the Board of Advisors for Build Health International.