Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

On Friday, October 2 at 5 p.m. our teens in the mission experienced Jesus’ mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After we had an agape celebration of forgiveness with cake and soda.

On Thursday afternoon, September 24, we had the joy of being invited to celebrate the Patronal Feast of the Mercedarian Sisters in Lavanou.

Over the years, we have developed a beautiful and meaningful relationship with the Mercedarian Sisters. They operate a clinic in Lavanou, while we serve the community through our mobile clinic. Because our ministries are closely connected, we often support one another whenever a need arises. We also enjoy opportunities to come together, share fellowship, and encourage one another in our work.

It was a special blessing to celebrate this feast day with them and to share in their joy. The Sisters are also blessed with two postulants, bringing new hope and promise for the future of their community and ministry.

We are grateful for the friendship and partnership we share with the Mercedarian Sisters and look forward to continuing to walk and serve together.

Bakery Construction Progress

Over the past two months, significant progress has been made toward completing the bakery. Construction, painting, plumbing, electrical work, and other installations have been underway to prepare the facility for full operation.

During the week of September 14–20, Dr. Jean Paul Bonnet and Marmara have been on-site monitoring the progress and overseeing the remaining work. Their presence has helped ensure that the various phases of construction and installation are moving forward as planned and that the bakery remains on schedule for completion.

The continued progress represents an important step toward getting the bakery fully operational.

On Tuesday, July 14, the truck with the bakery equipment we purchased three years ago finally arrived in Jacmel.

Mamara Cadet, a friend from Miami who has moved back to Haiti is assisting us and Dr. Bonnet with the bakery project.

On Thursday, July 8, the St. Clare sewing school had its graduation for those who finished the year’s 4 levels. 2 young men and 2 young women finished the required levels to sew a shirt, skirt, pants, and a dress.

Each of the four comes from different poor backgrounds. They pay a small entrance fee of $2 for the year. This is a lot since they come from poor families who would never have had an opportunity to participate in classes like this. Under the direction of Sister Julitta and co-director Junior, assisted by Shella and Madam Toussaint, everyone was given one-on-one assistance.

Sisters Inga and Marilyn joined the celebration. Sister Alicia from Lodi, NJ, shared the moment on zoom.

After the ceremony, a celebration included hot ham sandwiches, Sister Julitta’s famous Crown Soda cake, and soda.

They will be returning to help sew uniforms for the students we sponsor for school.

On Sunday, June 28, we celebrated three of our young adults who graduated from different universities in pursuing their goals and careers.

Dr. Tchery Louis, MD, finished his studies, residencies and year of service. He now works in the Mother Angela Clinic as well as gives service in the Mission.

Gaëlle Candio has a Bachelor in Arts and is a teacher. She is working in the Mission full time as Assistant School Sponsorship Director and catechist.

Edwina Dieudonne graduated from Madonna University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She is the supervisor in UNI Bank Transfer and often comes to the Mission to offer help when she can.

Sister Marilyn celebrates her birthday and feastday on June 30.

On Tuesday, June 23, the Mother Angela Clinic traveled on a road less traveled in Decouze called Gwo Tyron. A month ago, we received an invitation from the community desperately in need of medical attention.

The community was awaiting us and happy we arrived safely.

By the end of the day 75 men, women and children were served. The people of Gwo Tyron were very pleased with our nurse, doctors and pharmacist and look forward to our visit next month.

On Friday, June 17, Rosemarie and Melinda met with a second group of women to become Servants of the Living Water. The program was held two consecutive Fridays at Notre Dame Church, Gwo Groave. This is the farthest parish in the Diocese of Jacmel. We are so grateful to all those who support this program for giving clean water to families who struggle with the need for clean water to drink, bathe, wash utensils, and simply brush their teeth.

We wanted to let you know how the HOUSE OF BREAD bakery is moving along. So far, the parking lot is getting done and the buildings are slowly getting the electrical wiring and pipes for water. God is the master builder, and He has many helpers.

On Tuesday, June 16, all the kids in our Faith Formation program gathered for their last class. The program began with a prayer of gratitude and song, and then the class certificates were presented. Those who had perfect attendance or near perfect attendance received a small gift of acknowledgement.

After we showed a short video, “The Chosen Adventures,” served popcorn, chocolate and juice.

When all was done, the kids received a blessing and were shown a slide show of the year’s activities they had experienced in the Faith Formation classes.

Before they left, each family was given a bag of food.