Volunteers for HAITI provides the laity with an opportunity to serve God’s people in the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
Volunteers are committed to developing their spirituality, living simply, growing in community and working for social justice that challenges unjust structures. They live with the Religious of Jesus and Mary sisters (RJM’s) and share in their mission.
A SAD REALITY - Jean Rabel, Haiti
Mezelia and her husband have at least five grown up children, most of whom have left their local area, seeking a better life in the capital Port-au-Prince. Both were hardworking parents trying to provide food and education for their family.
FEAST OF ST. CLAUDINE - across the province
On February 3rd, the Feast of St. Claudine was celebrated across the province. Below are photos of just some of the US community celebrations, followed on page 2 by a number of the celebrations held in Haiti.
We arrived very well, with Sr. Yudith Pereira, RJM. We passed through Santo Domingo and came to Port-au-Prince in a small 20-seater plane.
It was the first time for Sr. Valle Chías González-Blanch, RJM and Sr. Curín José García Calvo, RJM to visit the monthly celebration of the “Pastoral Timoun Piti” in Beldorin.
Below are excerpts from reflections on Haiti that Sr. Curin wrote about arriving in Haiti and excerpts from an article on Sr. Valle written by Carina Farreras for Lavanguaria. You will want to read the full texts which are attached to the Bridges email in both English and Spanish.
When a large donation arrived from the Irish NGO, HAVEN, it was decided to invest it in a Water Project for one of the communities who suffer dreadfully from drought and have to travel long distances for water.
During the preparations for the feast of our holy patron, a phrase that was dear to Claudine set a rhythm in our heart and gave us strength during this whole time of uncertainties and difficulties: “God will Provide”.
As you know, our project, Pas a Pas, came into being on February 3, 2020. We had wanted to start in September 2019, but events in Port-au-Prince -- the violence and continuous demonstrations in the streets which also caused the closure of schools and educational institutions -- didn't allow us to do so.
A long-planned Youth Day finally took place on Sunday, November 1st. It was impossible to hold the meeting until now, because of the situation in Port-au-Prince with demonstrations and violence and later COVID-19.
