Overthinking and public speaking: Iqaluit Anglican priest takes Proust Questionnaire

Rev. Abraham Kublu is relatively new to the priesthood — he was ordained less than two years ago. Yet he is one of the pastors at the most recognizable church in Nunavut, St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral in Iqaluit.

Along with his wife Rev. Samantha Kublu, and Rev. Ann Martha Keenainak, Kublu’s voice is part of an Iqaluit-wide church radio broadcast airing Sunday services.

Kublu recently talked to Nunatsiaq News to answer a Proust Questionnaire, a parlour game from the 19th century named for French writer Marcel Proust.

The Proust Questionnaire has since become a popular interview method that has appeared in the pages of Vanity Fair and on CBC’s The Next Chapter.

Kublu talked about his biggest regret, his state of mind and the talent he wishes he had.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not providing food for my children at home. I have five boys and one daughter and five grandchildren.

Which living person do you most admire?

I’m not sure. I don’t have favouritism in my life.

When and where were you the happiest?

On a cruise ship. It was two years ago that I had a great time doing the Northwest Passage. It was the time of my life. I really wanted to do it for 15 years. And now I can finally say, “Yes, I’ve been sailing around the North.”

Which talent would you like to have?

Sometimes I regret having too many talents. Once in a while, I think to myself, “I do too many little things here and there.”

But I wish I could gain the talent to speak without being nervous. Once in a while, I get nervous in front of people during the church service.

Where would you most like to live?

No particular place but with my family.

What words or expressions do you most overuse?

“You’re overthinking.” I’m saying it to myself.

What is your greatest regret?

I have no regrets.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Don’t be too honest with other people. Joke around once in a while.

Nunatsiaq News is borrowing the old Proust Questionnaire parlour game to get to know people who are in the news. If you know someone in your community who our readers should get to know by taking this questionnaire, let us know by email: editors@nunatsiaq.com.