Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

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 with hot ham sandwiches, sister Julitta’s famous Crown Soda cake and soda was served.

They will be returning to help sew uniforms for our students whom we sponsor to go to 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.

On Saturday, June 13, we offered our hearts to Mary.

This day, we bring in token here before Mary our gift of hearts, our praise and veneration. Accept, O Mary, we humbly implore you our pledge of love, our act of consecration.

We offered our hearts for the people of Haiti.

The Faith Formation classes have come to an end for this year. Our children teens have spent the year experiencing the Lord in various ways, learning their faith and prayers. Some were preparing for Baptism and Confirmation, others were beginning their faith journey with us. Next week, they will receive certificates. Stay tuned…

The St. Clare Sewing School meets twice a week for classes. During a few days in between, they work on designing and making purses of all sizes. These young people have grown in their talent and skills. They will soon be ready to begin school uniforms for next year’s students.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5 13-26

Yesterday I had the privilege to visit some of our kids homes. They live in small communities, almost on top of each other, 5,6,7 in a space, some sleeping on the floor. I saw fires where women were bent over boiling water, some cabbage or other vegetable, leaves for spices. They were all so proud to welcome me, happy that I would visit them. This is all they know. They are in community. God takes care of them. I was a small spark that was visiting, sharing, praying. I think I got more out of it then they. For me, in my life experience, for what does salt serve? Is my community salt? For me, what does light signify in my life? How am I, we a community of light? I saw this community want their kids to come to us for catechesis, lessons, bread. I see light and flavor, help me tobe faithful to that.