Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

What have we been asking of the Lord in His name? We ask Him daily to use us for His people, to bring His salvation to all. During these difficult days of pandemic, we ask the Lord to show us the way He wants us to care for His people; and He certainly does this everyday.

Here is one way…every month we have a woman with her children who come for food and assistance. But this time, it was more serious. Her children are showing more signs of being malnourished, full of bites because they are sleeping on a bare floor, and so very hungry. The first thing we needed to do was have our doctor see them; and, yes, they are malnourished and needed medications for infections and vitamins.

Then we gave them rice and beans. As they were eating, we were gathering things they needed like soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and some kind of floor covering for bedding.

Yes, we asked in the Lord’s name to have available what they needed, and sure enough, it was done. How great is our God!!!!! After they finished eating, Sr. Izzy made sure they had some toys to take home with them, too.

On Sunday, May 3, Good Shepherd Sunday, we felt we needed a break–to get out and at least go for a ride. We made our journey to Cyvadia. We often would take volunteers there for the beauty and scenery. It was a first for Sister Izajasza. We were well protected with our masks.

We then took a walk down to the sea, and we felt like the Apostles ready to go fishing.

Then, low and behold, a group of fishermen came to shore; and, of course, we asked if they caught any fish.

And sure enough, they did, so we bought some…we know we made their day with our purchase.

After our afternoon outing, we returned home for our time of adoration and prayer. We remembered all of you in our prayers.

It is with very sad hearts that we received news today that our dearly beloved Sr. Victoria Indyk has gone Home to the Father. On this Sunday on which the Gospel story about the Road to Emmaus is proclaimed, we hear the news that Sr. Vicky’s journey to Emmaus is completed. She is with her beloved Spouse and Lord, the one to whom she committed her total self everyday. Sr. Vicky was a woman who had a passion for Christ and a passion for humanity. She loved to be with, to accompany, and to serve the poorest of the poor. Whether they were physically, spiritually, intellectually, or emotionally poor, she was there ready and willing to give her whole self and more.

Sr. Vicky loved Haiti, especially bringing groups to Jacmel. She had been with us at our Mission many, many times. Sometimes she brought groups from Madonna University; at other times, she came by herself to teach the nursing students at Notre Dame University here in Jacmel and to work with the Mother Angela Clinic.

Sr. Vicky had many friends in Jacmel. Our youth and kids loved when she would come with her many surprises. There were those she would meet on the beach and make a transaction, and then she would encourage them to keep the beach clean. She supported town artists or the local drummer.

There were a few orphanages Sr. Vicky supported, and she always brought them toys, candy and clothes. Yes, Sr. Vicky had many friends here in Jacmel. Why? Because she was on a journey; she was on her Emmaus road. She made connections and formed relationships. She accompanied many to seek a better life, one full of hope.

There was no way of saying “no” to Sr. Vicky. When she had a plan in her heart that she believed was from God, she figured a way to see it through. When she would realize she might be going the wrong way, she met her Lord and Savior in prayer. She listened to the scriptures and recognized Him in the breaking of the bread of her Eucharistic devotion and the breaking of the bread of her life for others. Sr. Vicky’s heart was always burning for she recognized JESUS in her midst through the Word, Sacraments, and Others.

The last message we received from Sister was when she told us she was in the hospital with the virus, COVID-19; she asked us to pray for her to get out of the hospital and go back home. She thanked us for praying for her. Then we heard she took a turn for the worst that evening; she was put on a ventilator and slowly failing… this virus took her from us.

Yet, maybe that is not the best way to say it…Sr. Vicky surrendered to the Will and voice of her Father and drank the cup that was hers to drink. Her spirit is here with us in Jacmel. Her endless giving of herself will live on in our hearts. We have many memories with Sr. Vicky here in Haiti, and we thank God we were able for a time to walk the way to Emmaus together.

This morning, as I was remembering Sr. Vicky and looking around the Mission, I was filled with tears of joy and sadness. Joy that she accompanied us in Haiti, and sadness that she will not be back here to see the new plans God is unfolding for us. Then, a beautiful yellow butterfly flew by me; and I felt she is here, now more than ever.

Stay with us, Sr. Vicky, tell us what the Father desires of us now and, most of all, help us to have the heart of Jesus like you had every time you met someone during the times you were here with us in Haiti.

Sr. Vicky, remember us to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…

We have been on a mission with Divine Mercy images to get them in just about every Church in our Diocese. Our mobil clinic will be serving in a new chapel that is called Divine Mercy, so we knew we had to get them the image. Even in the midst of this terrible virus the Lord’s work. Is being done.

We hung a new sign on our gate that tells about COVID-19 and how to stay safe.

At the mission, we are always learning something new. Today, it is learning how to sew face masks. Sr. Izzy is a good teacher!

We are in the upper room, and we sense the peace of Jesus here with us. In this, we are called to unlock those spaces that we try to hide, where we need faith and courage to keep moving forward. Jesus asks us to believe in this now, in what it is like. We are not so much to worry about the why but to remember that He is here in the now. Today we bring all people–family and friends, those we may not have yet met, doctors, nurses, necessary workers, children, the born and unborn, elders, presidents and leaders, priests and religious–and we place them all into the wounds of Jesus. We place them all into his Heart of mercy to be healed, transformed, and created into the new Easter message of life.

Today, we were blessed to have the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord! As we gathered, we remembered everyone this day who could not receive the Holy Eucharist and celebrate with their faith communities. Just as the stone was removed from the tomb, and the tomb was empty, let us not focus on the emptiness we may have felt these holy days; but let us place our faith in the one who promised that He will rise and give us all new life in Him. Our salvation is in Jesus who is risen and with us, and He will heal us and free as He promised. Remembering each of you to the Father in our daily prayers!