Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

On Saturday, November 9, before returning to Jacmel, Yvon wanted to show us his new mission–CAD = Welcoming Center in Delmas, a place for young boys and teens who live on the streets. Many are orphans or do not know the whereabouts of their parents. This program is being sponsored by the government. We are so happy that the government is reaching out to young people and doing something for the most neglected. Yvon is a consultant for the program; and our good friend, Joseph, is the new director of the program. This will be a place for living, learning and recreating. We pray that the Good News of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed, and that God will be known, loved, and glorified in this place. This was the first time we saw anything like this in Haiti. Up to this time, we only saw efforts taken by the Church and NGO’s.

On our way to Beaver Falls, PA, for a gathering on the New Evangelization…

November 1 and 2, all Saints Day and All Souls Day, remind us to remember those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Throughout the day, in our thoughts and prayers, we remembered our loved ones.

We are truly blest that every year as a Felician Sister we are given the opportunity to make a one-week annual retreat. This year we had the special grace, while being in the States, to go on retreat at St. Lawrence Retreat House in Beacon, NY, with our dear Capuchin Friars. The following pictures try to capture where we were invited to listen to the Lord and to stand in his light.

As you all know, the little family that has lived below us is moving. This is a difficult goodbye, especially for Cassandra. She has gotten to know and meet so many Felician Sisters these past months. She still misses her French classes with Sister Angela. Cassandra has quickly learned how to say “Sister Giovanni” very well.

Last night, when we were preparing to leave for these two weeks, Cassandra was with us, helping to clean out the refrigerator. You can imagine how many goodies she was receiving, so she began to sing “Ap di bon fet pou ou.” That is “happy birthday to you.” However, most of the time we see sadness in her face as we get ready to say goodbye, and she moves to her new home.

Outside our home, we started to build a new Haitian kitchen. Lelun, who used to cook for our children, is unable to do so any longer since she is moving to her new home. One of the mothers of our kids has agreed to cook for our food program. Lately, we feel as though all we are doing is purchasing materials for building and preparing spaces, such as Lebrun’s and Lelun’s new home, the mobile clinic rooms, and now our Haitian kitchen. We know that this type of work is not all we are called to do; we know that it is to bring people together in relationship and to build community so the love of Jesus can touch many more lives as we walk in the footprints of Jesus.

We can’t wait until the day when our chapel will be a place for faith formation and catechesis for the people of Jacmel.

It is good to know that Haiti joins the rest of the world, putting much effort into breast cancer awareness. Today at the airport, on our way to the States, we witnessed the efforts being made for this awareness. The airport was decorated in pink, and so were the American Airline workers. We supported them in their efforts by purchasing pink wrist bands. We all know someone that has been affected by this disease, whether they are suffering now or may have died. Let us continue to pray and fight for a cure for breast cancer.

Lebrun’s situation truly shows that the Lord is building his house. Lebrun did not have land, money, nor materials to have a home for his family; but the Lord made this possible through the help of friends and generous benefactors.

Today we met Karolina, the engineer from Krakow, Poland, who was hired by the Polska Haiti Foundation that is building a school for the Diocese of Jacmel. The new school is being funded by Charitas in Poland. We invited Karolina for dinner and served gołabki (stuffed cabbage) and cole slaw. We tried to give a touch of Poland, but we added fried banana for a touch of Haiti.

After dinner, we went with Karolina to the land where the school is being built and where our new convent will be. We also saw the progress being made in building the new Cathedral, which starts with building the wall around the property. Today, Sunday, they were working on the Cathedral.

We asked Karolina to take a look at Lebrun’s and Lelan’s new home that is being built on their newly-bought property. She gave them some good advice about the structure and, especially, about the placement of their roof.