Walking the streets we came across a building belonging to the Diocese of Jeremie. Stella Maris is the Catechetical Center under the direction of Fr. Elysee, he invited us in and showed us around. In this center they train lay leaders and make all the hosts for the Churches in the diocese.
Early in the morning, long before dawn, Father Luxo, a newly ordained priest, knocked at our door to take us to Mass. We followed him, thinking we were going to the Church we have been going to for the rosary. To our surprise we went through the back gate down a rocky pathway, in the dark with a small flashlight. We assumed that he knew a shortcut and then we found ourselves going to an old gate that looked like ruins. We stopped for a moment realizing we are not going to the familiar church. We questioned where he was taking us. For a moment fear entered our beings, but we followed. Then we heard the familiar prayer of the rosary in Creole, and we knew we were safe. We could not see any people only hear them, with our flashlight and the candles on the altar we realized that this was church. After the Liturgy of the Word, the sun rose and filled the place. We realized we were in a beautiful church built into the side of the hill. This is to be the new cathedral in Jeremie, but right now the only space finished is this lower Church. About 50 people come for morning sunrise Mass. We are learning more and more not to make assumptions and not to judge by appearances.
Peace and all good! Our first Transitus in Haiti was celebrated in Jeremie with a simple service. We joined our prayer with all Franciscans, especially every Felician Sister throughout the world.
In the footprints of Christ Francis did what was his to do. Let us celebrate his gift and go forth in the footsteps of Francis, to do what is ours to do.
Blessed St. Francis Day from Jeremie, Haiti!
Sisters Inga and Marilyn
“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice.” Exodus 23:20-21
Even though we heard this beautiful Word this morning it didn’t seem like angels were being sent to us when the day began. It started at 3 a.m with someone preaching through the streets on a microphone. The only words we understood were “accept the Lord.” Then all the dogs in Jeremie began to bark along with everey rooster.
We understood that Mass was going to be in the Bishop’s chapel at 6 a.m. We got up at 5:20 a.m. to make our way to the chapel. We met someone to open the door and we waited until 7:15 a.m. No one came. We decided to go for breakfast and only after we finished we heard the bell that is rung for meals. Yesterday we had dinner at 1 p.m. and supper at 7:30 p.m. So we thought we knew the schedule. Today dinner was at 12:20 and supper was at 6:30 p.m. We have learned that whenever it is ready the bell rings.
After breakfast we returned to our room and had another adventure, the table which had our ptcher of water, glasses, and other things that we brought with us suddenly collapsed. Everything fell and shattered. Water was everywhere. This was not easy to clean without any needed cleaning supplies. The morning just begun and we were soaked from our sweat.
At 9 a.m. We went to see the Missionary Sisters of Charity who have a medical clinic for women, men and children. We had no way to tell the Sisters we were coming but they were very gracious and allowed us to see their place. We were very moved by the small sick children. They are not orphans but are brought to the clinic for medical attention especially from malnutrition. They stay in the clinic until they are well.
On the way back we stopped to buy some water and other needed items, especially bug spray, something we need everywhere we go. And we are not talking only about mosquitoes. We thanked God that we both befriended lizards during our past experinces because here in Haiti they are everywhere as well as in the house. We met the Good Shepherd Sisters in the store and were invited to visit with them on Thursday.
In the early afternoon we sat on the terrace, from which we have a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea, to study our Creole. Two otherr challenges of today was no water or electricity. During this time we wrote (the old fashioned way with pen and paper) the prayers for the rosary in Creole. Later we walked the streets continuing our novena to St. Francis to meet and greet the people in Jeremie. At 5:15 p.m. we went to the Cathedral to pray the rosary with the Legion of Mary. They seem to gather for the month of October to pray the rosary and a variety of other prayers. We are learning to say the rosary in Creole. At the end of the service everyone received a scripture qoute and we were assured through the passages we received that God had not forgotten us and desires us to walk in faith. They are: John 11:40 and Psalm 72:12, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” and “he will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed who have no one to defend them.”
Today is the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, patron of missions, how appropriate for us to be on this mission journey today.
We began our journey when we arrived at the airport at 6:45 a.m. It is a small domestic flight airport. We checked in and got settled. A young woman was distributing brochures selling pre-fab houses. We thought this was interesting and useful for the future wherever our new mission house may be.
At first we thought the white plane marked with the logo Tortug’ Air was our plane, but then we learned the blue plane was ours to Jeremie. Notice where we sat, with the pilot, we felt like his co-pilots. ; ) St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
God bless you!
Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti 