Praise the Lord! We thank our God for everyone who has prayed for and supported our efforts as we continue our journey in Jacmel, Haiti. We have been here since 2012 and so many good things have happened that we wanted to share a few stories with you! We live among the marginalized and those living in poverty, accompanying them through the challenges and celebrating the joys of life. Join us on our journey and please keep us in your prayers as we keep you in our prayers.
With the new beginning of 2020, we welcome a new doctor who will be replacing Dr. Wanitha Ceus. Dr. Wanitha has chosen to continue her education in Port au Prince. We are grateful for her time and talent in sharing the mission with us. Dr. Valcin is from Port au Prince and is no stranger to the Mother Angela Mobil Clinic. In the past, he has worked with us in the clinic, so he has an idea of the Felician mission. He will begin his two-month trial period Monday, January 12. We welcome Dr. Valcin to our family!
Dr. Yves works with Dr. Valcin to familiarize him with the iPads used to keep records on the patients.
We are getting ready to plant some new vegetables and wanted to make a compost, so today was the day! We got our barrel ready, putting many holes in it from top to bottom. Let the compost begin…
On Sunday, January 5, the feast of Epiphany, we had our first discernment group gathering. We have been aware of some of our young adults who are interested in following a call to priesthood and religious life. It was time for us to respond and to offer a way to learn and know more. It was like having the wise men come as they followed a star, seeking the Lord. We began with how we can hear the voice of the Lord by praying with the Scriptures. How does the Word become Flesh and Dwell Among Us? We spoke about discernment and the scrutiny of the the Word of God. Then we spent time actually leading them through the process with the theme of whether we follow the Spirit of God or the spirit of the world? We ended the day with Adoration and Evening Prayer during which we shared our personal prayer and discovery of God in His Word. This group will be meeting monthly.
The Haitian tradition to celebrate the season is January 1 with soup jamou (pumpkin soup) with loads of vegetables and meat.
On January 2, we celebrated with a luscious meal. Families save to buy the needed foods so that the family can share and feast. Rice made with mushrooms (dire Jon Jon), fried okra, fish, potato au gratin, macaroni and cheese, salad and pikles (something like cole slaw) make up the feast. This is what Annette and Jean Philip prepared for our celebration as we gathered to share our blessings and to thank God for a new year.
On Sunday, December 22, we celebrated the great feast of Christmas with all those who work with us in the Mission. The Mother Angela Clinic staff, our cooks and gardener were with us for the sacred oplatek tradition of blessings and forgiveness. Then we enjoyed a festive meal and. of course. giving of gifts.
On Saturday, December 28, we celebrated the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family by welcoming six young children into the Catholic Faith. These families came to us during the year, wanting to have their child baptized. Due to different circumstances–one being poverty–this was very difficult. We had our mothers meet with the Pastor, Fr. Samson, for interviews. Then we had our Seminarian, James, as well as Annette, meet with them for faith formation.
Baptism is the first of the sacraments and the “foundation of all Christian life,” which is the “door that allows the Lord to make His dwelling place within us and bring us into His Mystery.”
This was truly a moment of joy for those gathered, especially those of us who remembered how the Greek word “baptize” means “submerge.” “Bathing in water symbolizes, in various creeds, the passing from one condition to another; it is a sign of purification for a new beginning.”
This also allowed us to remember that Baptism makes us missionaries in the world, each one according to his or her own vocation, so that the world may believe and be transformed.
We welcome our newly-Baptized into the Catholic and now pray for their continued walk with Jesus Christ.
On Friday, December 27, we invited the “Kiwo” group to see our Christmas Pageant and then to watch the movie, “Home Alone.” Kiwo is a youth-based organization that is formed in every parish. It is kind of like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the States. Everyone enjoyed the time together, as well as the popcorn and candy that was served.
Our annual Christmas party began on December 25 at 11 a.m. Our children came in their best outfits, ready to celebrate and to come and adore the newborn King.
Decorations were made by the teens and kids the day before!Teens were getting ready for the pageant, as we always begin the Birth of Jesus by telling of His coming into the world.Baby Jesus this year was our neighbor! Even though she started to cry, she was a blessing! Yes, Jesus was a baby girl.Teens served the children their festive dinner and homemade Christmas cookies.
We made it through the day, giving every child a gift.
One of the barrels contained over 150 of the Felician Sisters coffee mugs, and every kid received one with candy inside.
We thank every one for making this Christmas Day so festive with gifts and, especially, our festive dinner that included soda for the kids!!! We all say mesi anpil!
Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti 