This year marks the 19th annual Lenten Appeal for our twin parish in Haiti, St. Isidore. The theme of the appeal this year is, as Paul tells us in First Corinthians, “We Are One Body”. These are difficult times in Haiti. For that reason we asked the pastor of our twin parish, Fr. Dieudonne, to describe the situation,
He writes:
“Brothers and sisters, In the name of Jesus we greet you. At the beginning of Lent we are pleased to offer you this brief message of thanks on behalf of the parish community of Saint Isidore. Your gestures of solidarity towards us prove that “we form one body” as your appeal this year suggests, and the socio-economic crisis in our country deeply wounds the body of Christ on La Gonave. It makes us suffer greatly, but thanks to your generosity some obstacles have been overcome and many members of our parish have been helped.
We thank God for having placed you on our path to walk together. Because we are convinced that without your support it would be really difficult for us to hold on. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the parish community of Saint Isidore for giving us a hand for so many years. We wish you a blessed Lenten season, and we ask you to receive the promise of our prayers.”
Unfortunately, the crisis in Haiti Fr. Dieudonne refers to is getting worse. On La Gonave the influx of refugees fleeing gang violence on the mainland has led to acute shortages of food and water. Late last year an official state of famine was declared. Inflation and the cost of transporting goods to the island have made it difficult for everyone on the island. PWH has been sending $2,000 monthly to Fr. Dieudonne as a lifeline to use the best way he can, and now your help is needed to keep it going.
Having traveled many times to our twin parish I have experienced firsthand how resourceful and resilient the Haitian people are. But the situation now is different. Because of the fear generated by the gangs and their interference in the ability of people to travel or transport goods safely, there are no guarantees. Jesus’ statement in Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.”
It is time for us to make sure we do as much as we can for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Luke tells us in 6:38,” Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
To learn more about our work and to make a donation, go to our newly refreshed website, partnerswithhaiti.com. Thank you and may God Bless you for your generosity!