Author Archives: Felician Mission: Haiti

Even though school will not begin until October, kids are coming for the necessities for beginning a new school year. Sister Inga and her helpers are preparing pack packs and supplies.

It was on September 13, 2012, that Sisters Inga and Marilyn, with suitcase, guitar and most importantly the Word of God, left the USA for Port au Prince, Haiti. We arrived in Port au Prince to be a presence after a devastating earthquake and to “serve where we were needed.” We embraced the ministry of presence, not knowing how or even where we would be called. The Holy Spirit led and guided, and continues to do so as we meet each day. As we reflect on where we were and where we are now, we see GOD, His Kingdom. We see that it is through the CROSS that new life resurrects. Today, the Gospel moves us to see this clearly. What may look dead is not the final or the end. When it is touched by Jesus, by God, it resurrects, stands up, and gives praise. We pray for God to touch the matters of this day and have compassion upon the matters we face with our people and the difficult situations that Haiti has been facing for many days..

We are grateful to God for all of you who accompany us on this journey and who have been with us these 10 years. It is because of you we can do and be the presence needed here in the Felician Mission Haiti.

We are grateful that God gave us more sisters, Sisters Izajasza and Julitta, who make a difference in the lives of our Haitian brothers and sisters.

We are grateful for Our Volunteers in Mission, those who have visited us in the past and those who are now working through ZOOM to teach English to our teens.

It starts with our presence, an encounter, listening and discerning, then our actions.

The week of August 22-26, seven transitional deacons for the Diocese of Jacmel made their retreat before their priestly ordination. Sharing our holy ground with these men was a privilege for all who love and work in the Felician Mission. Fr. Lautere (our chaplain) was the retreat director. As some of you know, this past week in Haiti was turbulent with daily demonstrations throughout the country, even in Jacmel. But nothing is impossible with God who desired to prepare these men through Word, Sacrament, and silence for their Ordination to the Priesthood on Saturday, August 27. We had both Martha’s and Mary’s working to prepare the volunteer house, to cook and to be sacristan.

Saturday, August 27, the priests of the Diocese gathered with Bishop Erick Glandas for the procession to the Cathedral from our house. This has become the custom on big occasions.

During the Rite of Ordination, you hear the following:

Vicar: Most Reverend Father, holy mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the Priesthood.
(The Bishop inquires as to the worthiness of the candidates.)
Bishop: Do you know them to be worthy?
Vicar: After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those
responsible, I testify that they have been found worthy.
(After judging them worthy, he elects them for ordination.)
Bishop: Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these men, our brothers, for the Order of the Priesthood.
All present: Thanks be to God
(All present express their assent by applause.)

This past year, Sister Inga was determined to get the story of Mother Angela, foundress of the Felician Sisters, translated into Creole and French. With much determination, Sister Inga worked on the translation in Creole for a year. Finally, it is done and ready to be shared for our 10th Anniversary in Haiti.

We thank Jerry Jean, a young man who tutors our teens, for proofreading both texts.

We thank Sister Mary Francis and Felician Publications & Studio Arts Department for printing and binding the books for us.

We thank Sister Claver Ratkowska and Elena Monsanto for the French translation.

On the weekends of July 30-31 and August 6-7, Sisters Inga and Marilyn were on a different kind of mission–one that is about asking for assistance and help for the Felician Mission Haiti.

July 30-31, we were welcomed to St. Rose Parish, Belmar, NJ. Msgr Ed Arnister (brother of our Sr. Juanita) invited us to share about the Haiti Mission. We had visited his parish four years ago, and it was a blessing to update the people on what they have contributed to the mission in Jacmel. All were welcoming and most generous once again.

For the Saturday evening Mass, we were joined by our faithful supporters and sisters who help us with the mission in the USA.

The next weekend we went to St. Teresa of Calcutta, Avon by the Sea and Bradley Beach, NJ. We were welcomed by Fr. Erin Brown.

Fr. Brown is pastor of two parishes that joined together under the patronage and name of St. Teresa of Calcutta. It was a wonderful weekend with God’s people who were once again generous with their treasure.

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Luke 12:32-34

The first group that met with the Sisters to learn how to sew moved to the second level. Their final exam was to sew a school uniform for our kids.

On Saturday, July 23, we had guests from Les Cayes visit our Mission. Ephesian and Ourlik, and two of their friends, visited us. They run a bakery in Les Cayes. You may remember Sisters Izzy and Julitta, together with Annette and Cili, went to meet them a few months ago, in order to learn from them how their bakery functions, learning about finances and equipment, and other important things to know about running a bakery.

Since June 5, we have had construction on the mission grounds, preparing a new space for the sewing classes. It is just about completed and ready for the big move of the sewing machines and materials. We are still waiting for the closet doors to be installed. The space can also be used for other activities and meetings when needed. God is good!

On Thursday, July 21, our young team involved in the Clean Water project through Global Health and Social Justice met in Marigot to begin their study of the water problem. They met at the school, where they hope the well will be dug, and then spoke with people in the town about the problem of no water. On Saturday, they will meet and share their research thus far to be included in their proposal for a well to be dug.

On Thursday, July 21, Sisters Julitta and Marilyn, together with Madam Omanie, Annette, and the youth involved in the Youth for Global Health and Social Justice Program went to Marigot. Our clean water program was presented to 20 woman from St. Dominic’s Parish, and the youth began their research among the community. It was a busy day for all.