Monthly Archives: December 2012

The history of pumpkin soup begins with the celebration of Haitian Independence in 1804. On Jan. 1, 1804, Haitians worked together to create a unique soup to celebrate their independence from the French Colonists. Until that time, the Colonists believed that the blacks under their rule could never work together to create anything. Today, the traditional pumpkin soup known as “soup joumou,” is made and served to friends and family in Haiti in remembrance of their fight for freedom.

While under French Colonial rule, Haitians were limited to eating a bland bread soup. They would not have been permitted to eat such an extravagant meal comprised of pumpkin, beef stock and other vegetables. This unique soup was created as a symbol of unity in the face of adversity. It was served to everyone at the first Independence celebration and Haitians continue this tradition today.

Haitians believe the fight for equality isn’t over yet. They believe the pumpkin soup gives them courage to persevere over oppression, both now and in the future.

We look forward to joining in this tradition here in Haiti.

On Friday, December 28, feast of the Holy Innocents we began our day with prayer joining the universal Church remembering all children throughout the world who have lost their lives through senseless violence. We especially remembered the children and adults from Newtown, Ct.

Here in Haiti, this feast is a special day of prayer with children. It begins with Mass, followed by activities.

We have been in Haiti for four months and this was the first time we were able to go for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Bishop Launay Saturne. Soon we will have our own chapel and be able to have daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The day after Christmas, the parish organized for the people a gathering for fellowship. This included many poor people of the parish. The sisters prepared a Bingo game with many useful prizes, such as plastic plates, pots and pans, pitchers for water, shoes, towels and soap. The parish also served a big meal for everyone.

On Christmas night we were invited to St. Michael’s parish to meet the youth and enjoyed them singing Christmas songs of peace and joy.

It was a great joy to participate in this presentation and it would be even better if we understood everything that was said and sung. Hopefully someday we will!

Fr. Simon showed us a very interesting palm tree. He said it also grows in Africa and the African people gather its fruits to produce oil, they also eat its fruit. Here in Haiti they do not know what to do with this tree. We tried to eat this fruit and yes, it tastes like oil.

We never realized we are living so close to the Caribbean Sea. On the vigil of Christmas, Fr. Simon took us for a ride and to our surprise down the street this is what we saw…many people in Haiti are afraid of the water and because of that they don’t go swimming. We found out why they don’t like to swim because of their experiences with water, like hurricanes and floods.

In our house along with bugs we have lizards everywhere. We welcome them joyfully because they eat the mosquitoes.

“Today, we like Mother Mary enter the house of Jacmel and greet you.” These were words of greeting we said to the people of Jacmel in Creole at the end of the Mass of Welcome on Sunday, December 23, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, in the Bishop’s chapel. During the Mass Bishop Launay Saturne welcomed us into the diocese. The Children’s choir sang a Christmas carol for us in english, and the youth choir sang a song of welcome. After Mass the people greeted us.

We spent the whole day with the Bishop visiting a few religious communities and parishes. We believe it is God’s providence that we are here in Jacmel to begin the Felician mission in Haiti.