The Pre-Chapter assembly in Port-au-Prince, Haiti was an enriching experience of interculturality with our sisters from every part of our congregation. We worked hard in listening, understanding, sharing in both large and small groups - with the help of our translator, Paloma, a volunteer from our community in Jean Rabel. Thank God for her and the new translation equipment that Monica and team purchased. A wonderful spirit of bonded us together.
“It is clear that no one has the answer as to how we should chart the future that lies before us. I think however, what is crystal clear is that perhaps we have never needed each other quite as much as we do at this moment, and our world has (perhaps) never needed us more.”
"I felt the pre-chapter spiritual preparation as well as the regional meetings set a tone for our Provincial chapter which were life-giving. Marge’s opening address challenged me - especially her question: What calls do you hear revealing who we need to be and where we need to stand today?"
Come and join the CELEBRATION WITH OUR JUBILARIANS who have served lovingly and faithfully in the Lord's vineyard for a grand total of 560 years and still counting...
Birth: June 24, 1927
Profession: August 14, 1956
Death: April 27, 2019
In the darkness of the night, white vans transport migrant families to the shelter. Approximately 125 mothers, fathers and children arrive at the shelter, located in an unoccupied school named in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Upon arrival, there is a background check of the migrants by border officials, followed by a medical examination of each newcomer. What was once a school auditorium now serves as a bedroom furnished with cots and a blanket, but no pillow.
The staff and volunteers are getting used to the new shelter location. It is a bit of a maze of hallways, staircases, rooms on different levels but it does have a very handy elevator.
Sowing Hope for the Planet, a campaign of the Union of International Superiors General (UISG), invites you to register for their upcoming April 11 webinar: Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Poor.
Last week, from March 7 - 11, I had an opportunity to visit the Novitiate of the Americas in Mexico City and to spend time with Middia Doute, our second-year novice.
MEET THE JEAN RABEL TEAM - Haiti: This year we are six members! Three Irish, three Spanish.
Birth: December 19, 1925
Profession: August 20, 1945
Death: March 1, 2019
During the Bicentenary we featured contributors’ memories of an RJM who had touched or inspired them in some way. This year’s jubilarians were asked if they had memories to share. Sr. Jackie Picard is the first to reply. Note that all readers of Bridges are warmly invited to contribute. Keep them coming!
February 3rd celebration in Fon Ibo, Haiti for the Feast Day of St. Claudine and the 30th anniversary of the Jesus-Mary School.
In 1989 Sr Pierrette, SNJM, Mr. Jean Desnor and Mr. Claude Etienne began the Jesus-Mary school under a Kanip tree (seen on far right) and Pierrette then built a one-room schoolhouse which closed when illness forced her return to Canada.
Again, we are faced with an 'address to our nation' presenting the migrants without any dignity, respect or compassion and depicting them close to being a 'national threat' even while many political figures and people along the border have presented a starkly different picture.
On January 19, 2019, Sr. Rose Kelly, RJM and Sr. Nazareth Ybarra, RJM were presented with the prestigious Willian Jefferson Clinton Goodwill for Haiti Award which honors outstanding individuals who have undertaken extraordinary work and dedicated their lives to the people of Haiti.
On January 12th (the anniversary of the big 2010 Haiti earthquake), the Montfortain Fathers celebrated the ordination of two young priests who were ordained in our parish church.
Sr. Vivian Patenaude, has been in Argentina for two weeks assisting RJMs with their spoken English. Just before her return to the USA on January 9th, she sent the following update...
Sr. Rose Kelly, RJM and Sr. Nazareth Ybarra, RJM received the following letter from Mr. Leslie Buckley, founder and Chairman of HAVEN, announcing that they will receive the William Jefferson Clinton Goodwill for Haiti Award for their extraordinary work and dedication to the people of Haiti.