Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

On Monday, March 9, Sr. Isajasza and Sr. Marilyn made visits to some of the families of our children. We heard that one of them was very sick. Sè. Isajasza, for the first time, got a glimpse of the living conditions of the children we serve–no running water, no beds and people sleeping on the floor, with garbage everywhere. These times are even more difficult because of the political situation, There is no money, no food, no work.

Our people were so happy to see us and always love our visits. We have come to know that the power of presence of Jesus is the first true gift we can share.

From Thursday, February 27, to Sunday, March 2, the First Community of St. Michel’s Parish in Jacmel came for a retreat weekend. For most of them, this was a first-time experience. The amazing thing is that it was centered upon the Word of God. The community is made up of young adults and elders. The weekend ended with the celebration of Eucharist. Everyone helped to prepare for the weekend–making beds and putting mattresses in the clinic so we could accommodate 32 people. Even our cooks had to stay overnight since we had heavy rains on Thursday.

Every Friday night, we show a movie to our kids. Thanks to generous people like you who make it possible to serve popcorn and candy, our kids get to have some fun. Tonight it was Alvin and the Chipmunks. All the Alvin movies are a hit here. Even Sr. Izajasza likes movie night.

On Monday, February 17, Dr. Jean Paul Bonnet was on a mission. He spoke with our Bishop about the Bakery and the possibility of land. Their meeting was blest and a friendship in the Lord was made. We needed to see the land that was being given for the project to become a reality. Fr. Bertrand, Director of Caritas was to show us the land. We waited the day through and were wondering if this would become a reality and sure enough just before the dark Fr. Bertrand arrived to take us to see the land that is to be given for the bakery. It is truly “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). It was a moment of God’s Word fulfilled in our hearing.

On Monday, February 17, Dr. Bonet met with Bishop Erik Marie Glandas Toussaint, Bishop of Jacmel, about starting a bakery and sharing his idea of digging wells for purified water. It was a very good meeting with the Bishop, and plans are moving forward.

On Sunday, February 16, our Discernment Group met for an afternoon of reflection and time with the Word of God. Sr. Inga began the afternoon with a conference on the theme of Discernment. Using Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate, on the CALL to HOLINESS in TODAY’S WORLD, Sr. Inga focused on the section of Discernment.

After a short break, all gathered and used passages from the New Testament to search for our personal call to holiness and what it means for me personally. After finishing this reflection, we gathered as a faith community for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer. During this time, after the Proclamation of the Word of God, everyone had time to share what they were hearing from God’s Word.

The day concluded with a delicious meal, which was enjoyed by all!