Author Archives: Felician Mission: Haiti

In the evening of October 25, we sent three barrels to Haiti. We placed Divine Mercy and St. Michael holy cards in the barrels and sent them off…praying and hoping they would arrive safely and untouched. They were filled with Christmas gifts for the kids, shirts and jackets donated by JDM, t-Shirts, toiletries and some candy. All would be for our Christmas celebration on December 25.

The barrels arrived in Port au Prince about two weeks later, but we needed to get them from the port to Jacmel. This was not an easy job because the demonstrations that had been going on were taking place right at the port where our barrels were waiting. Weeks passed by and, finally, in the timing of the Lord, they made it to Jacmel.

Unpacking the barrels…

Now the Christmas elves need to get to work for soon Christmas Day will be here…💫🎄

On Saturday, December 1, our kids gathered for their catechesis, welcoming the new liturgical year with Advent.

Focusing on the Word of God, the Advent wreath, candles and what they mean, as well as singing a new Advent song: Marana tha, vini Senye Jezi! (Marana tha, come Lord Jesus!)…

As our Advent practice, we will use our Advent calendar as we gather before the tree to share a piece of the Christmas Story and to add a daily ornament for the tree.

On Friday, November 30, the staff of the Mother Angela Clinic had a day of recollection led by Fr. Bertrand Dieuveille, Director of Caritas for the Diocese of Jacmel. The theme was “Preparing for Advent and Renewing our Relationship with Jesus and Each Other.” The day included Morning Prayer, a Conference, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass. The day concluded with a delicious meal prepared by Jeremine, our cook for the Mother Angela Kitchen. We, too, were graced with this holy time of prayer and fellowship.

On Friday, November 23, members of the Parisot Foundation arrived. They will be using the volunteer house for accommodations during their 5 day visit.

The Parisot Foundation is named in honor of Fr. Parisot who was a priest in Jacmel for many years. He was highly sought after to be a Bishop but never wanted to leave his people. He traveled on a horse to all the places he visited. He was truly an apostle of Christ.

Fr. Jean Pierre who is a Haitian priest who works in the Archdiocese of Boston, began this foundation in his honor to develop a vocational school in Jacmel. The people from the board of this foundation have come to see the progress of the building of the new school. They are very please with the progress thus far.

Fr. Jean Pierre celebrated Mass for us on Saturday.

Here are some of the fruits and vegetables we are growing and harvested for the first time here in the mission…

Papaya, passion fruit, banana for cooking and sweet bananas.

Basil, oregano, lemon grass

On Sunday, November 18, we celebrated our Thanksgiving dinner with Sr. Janet Lehmen, S.C., Dr. Wanitha Ceus, Jean-Philip, Gesmar, Ludwica and Mathilda. Even in the midst of the problems of the country, we all needed to pause and Give Thanks with Grateful Hearts for the life and blessings we have here in Haiti.

We brought a turkey, which fed us all, from our last visit to the States. From our garden, we were able to make homemade pumpkin pie. It was a blessed feast. As we gathered, we gave thanks for our personal blessings.

After our feast, we gathered for prayer and adoration in thanksgiving for our mission here, as well as for all the blessings received. We also prayed for peace and harmony in the country, as it seems to be in great turmoil during this time.

Today a drone appeared on our property. It circled for a moment, then hung in the air. It was obvious that it was filming or photographing. I grabbed the phone and took a picture of it. I had the impression that the operator saw me, because the drone immediately rose high and then flew off. I wonder what that means?

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article221861430.html

On Saturday, November 17, our faith formation classes were given stories to make the Word of God come alive. Each class told a Bible story…the Annunciation…

Martha and Mary and the raising of Lazarus…

The healing of the blind man…

We also welcomed a new teacher, Deacon Dickenson, from the Vincentian Brothers and Priests. Dickenson is a transitional deacon, soon to be ordained. He is preparing our teens for the Sacraments of Initiation.