Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

Our team in Jacmel is preparing to go to Les Cayes to train women to use buckets and filters to provide clean water for the people in need! Thank you for your support in helping Haitians to help themselves.

On Saturday, August 14, after the devastating earthquake in the morning and a few aftershocks in the afternoon and evening, we received a message from Caritas that there is need for medications and clothing clothing to be sent to Les Cayes and Jeremie. The earthquake had destroyed buildings, homes, and roads. It killed and wounded hundreds of people. We immediately went to the container to get whatever clothing, shoes, sheets and towels we had. We also were able to pack medications, bandages and surgical gloves. The plan was that on Monday Caritas would pick up the boxes and go to Les Cayes with them. We are vigilant now of Tropical S torm Grace heading our way and moving towards Les Cayes. We are praying that God will be merciful in this area where people do not have shelter but are in tents or on the streets right now.

This morning at about 8:30 a.m., we experienced an earthquake. We were in our rooms, praying when each of us experienced something different. One sister thought she was dizzy; another felt her room spin; and another felt her chair shake so she thought the cat was underneath the chair. Sr. Inga yelled, “Earthquake; get out of the house!” Without hesitancy, we all ran. As we went outside, we could hear everyone in our area yelling and screaming. Dogs and animals were also crying out! We are okay, and there is no damage here. Now we are in danger of a tsunami. Please pray for Haiti!

On Sunday, August 8, 16 young children and teens celebrated their First Holy Communion at the Felician Haiti Mission. After two years of faith formation at our mission, the children and teens were ready to receive for the first time the Body and Blood of Jesus. Preparations for the day were many, and it took a village to make it happen.

Two months ago, the measuring and sewing began as Sisters Izzy and Julitta went to the market to buy the materials for the communion dresses and robes. After taking measurements, the sewing began with the help of Junior and Rosemarie who made the crowns. There was the learning and practicing of dances and, of course, choir rehearsal.

We also wanted to be sure everyone had the opportunity to continue the celebration. With the help of Annette, Adeline and Melinda, the sisters made and beautifully decorated 16 cakes.

The Lord gave us a beautiful sunny day to embrace us all, especially those who received him in the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time.

The children were ready, and the procession began with joy and praise. The children prepared the readings, the intercessions and two liturgical dances–one for the Gloria and one for the Magnificat after Communion. After the final blessing, the children processed to the statue of Mary to offer their hearts and to ask Mary for protection in this life as they make their journey to Heaven.

On Saturday, August 7, the Felician Haiti Mission celebrated the sacrament of Baptism for twelve young people and one adult. It was a beautiful day that the Lord had made to welcome new disciples into the Church.

Two of our young adults are learning English with the help of some volunteers from the United States. Missionary Discipleship comes in many ways.

On Tuesday, after our Adoration and Evening Prayer, we made our way on the streets to visit one of our kid’s sick grandma.

We recognize God’s presence before us and know what a treasure we have…As we ponder the Word of God today, we pray that we, too, will be transformed and radiant with joy from our encounters with the Lord. It means a lot to our kids for us to visit them in their homes; but it means even more for us. We know where they come from, their living conditions, what they endure, and what they only know of this life. We appreciate more what we have and are blessed to have here in our Mission. We are grateful for a simple fan so we can sleep; a roof that does not leak; our own bed so we do not have only the floor to sleep on. The Lord wants us to keep showing our love, His love, and to care for each of His people. These, too, are God moments before the Lord, entering His tent of grace to become radiant with His grace. This is where the Kingdom of God is for us, our treasure for us, our faith, and desire to have His Word fulfilled in us and, most of all, in all our brothers and sisters.

Extol the Lord, our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for holy is the Lord, our God.🙏🏾🕊❤️🥰✌🏿🇭🇹

Last year, we had our first Baptism and Holy Communion class at the Mission. We wanted the kids to remember the joy of that day and experience. On Saturday, July 17, we were blessed to celebrate the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time at 5 p.m. with Fr. Emmanuel.

Sisters Izzy and Julitta washed and ironed the Communion outfits from last year. The kids certainly felt very special once again. These are very difficult times here in Haiti, and the children need to keep their souls and minds on our God who is with them in the midst of suffering.

After Mass, everyone received chicken, bread, and soda.

On Friday, July 16, we tried to bring some normalcy to our kids who had received their First Penance last October by inviting them to a special celebration of Reconciliation. The theme was “Receive Divine Mercy.“ Using the Gospel of John 20:19-31, the children were reminded that Jesus wants to give us peace and forgiveness. After an examen of conscience each child received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and was invited to touch the Heart of Jesus to receive His love, peace and forgiveness. It was a grace-filled witness for us to watch them all one by one be absolved from their sins. During the prayer and confession, we prayed for Haiti, asking for God’s mercy to be upon us as we prayed together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

At the end of the celebration, the kids watched the video of their First Communion which was held last year, and each received some chocolate candy.

Go in peace, your sins have been forgiven.🙏🏾🕊✌🏿