Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti

Our first papaya from our tree!

We have put up our decorations and have made ready for the Lord…We can only turn our lights on when we have electricity from the city; but when we do, it is beautiful.

Outside..

Our own live outside tree…

On the porch…

Our living room Christmas tree…

Just love those Minions!

During our faith formation program on Saturday, our kids had the opportunity to learn about the deeper meaning of Advent–a season of recognizing the Lord in our midst, of readying the way for the Lord, and of giving Jesus to others. Each boy and girl got a small gift to wrap; they then went to seek out someone to give that gift to, someone who would never otherwise receive a gift.

Lord God, in this Advent season of preparation, we remember the many years that God’s people waited in the hope of the Messiah’s coming.  As we ready ourselves to celebrate the birth of that Messiah, open our hearts to seeking you through prayer and service to our neighbor. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

On Friday evening, December 7, our teens and children who have received the sacraments in our Faith Formation program were invited for Praise and Worship which included the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For us, this was a dream come true. To see 23 young people sitting face to face with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, preparing their hearts for Jesus to come, was an awesome experience. Using songs in Creole and English, all gave praise and glory to God. During the prayer, we also sang the chaplet of Divine Mercy. Another gift we had that evening was electricity from the city at the hour we were having the service so we could use the lights and PowerPoint. Yes, indeed, Our God is truly here…

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