Author Archives: Felician Mission: Haiti

Sometimes we have to stop our prayer or activities because by our feet we have unwelcome visitors. We don’t have enough knowledge yet which are dangerous which are friendly. For this reason he lost his life.

Last night we went to the building that is now the worship space of the Cathedral of Sts. James and Philip. The cathedral of Jacmel was severely damaged in the earthquake and cannot be used. We participated in 2 1/2 hours of charismatic prayer and Eucharistic adoration. We were moved by the faith of the people and the solemnity of the Eucharistic procession. Slowly but surely we are beginning to understand more of what is being prayed and preached.

We hear that these days are the most important days of celebration for Haitian people. But we would not know it if we only look for the external signs. We are used to seeing many large gatherings in the Church, people on the streets, fireworks, parties, and the media reporting all that goes on in bringing in the new year. Here in Haiti nothing like this is really present. We wonder if this is due to the country’s poverty and experience of much suffering.

We are learning that the religious communities bring to God’s people joy by organizing activities in the Church, such as Bingo, gathering the children, youth and adults for fun activities, games and dancing. The religious communities also gather among themselves to share a meal and dancing. We had the opportunity to participate in such a gathering with the Sisters of Loretto. They live in the mountains and the people in the villages depend on them. For example while we were there a small boy was brought to the sisters who had broken his leg. You could see he was in agony; he was semiconscious. The sisters knew he had to be taken to the hospital. So they put a makeshift splint on it and he was taken by motorcycle to town which is 45 minutes away on very bad roads. Then after dinner a young girl came to the door with a swollen hand. She had a burn that was infected. One of the sister’s was able to help her.

We were able to visit their school and their new dispensary that was just built by a group from Spain. We hope to keep learning and knowing what will be ours to do as we share the presence of Christ to all and meet him in His people.

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.