Along with many of you, the Sister Parish Committee is aware and very concerned that Haiti, and specifically Zorange and the St. Genevieve community, has become deeply and directly affected by the gang violence and political turmoil in that country. Through weekly communications with Fr. Gaby Noel, we have learned of the unprecedented violence and oppression that has now moved beyond the streets of Port-au-Prince to the countryside beyond. Priests are kidnapped, women are raped, children abused, innocents murdered and homes burned. Violence and oppression are rampant. Daily life as it has been known is impossible, with schools and churches closed, meager provisions unavailable and willful lawlessness ruling the villages.
It is because of these unprecedented times that the Sister Parish Committee has unanimously decided to temporarily extend our support beyond the traditional aims of feeding the children and paying the teacher salaries at the parish school. We have given Fr. Gaby the latitude to help those most affected by this inhumanity within his Parish of St. Genevieve.
And, we are fortunate to have a strong Advocacy Sub-Committee to the Sister Parish Committee. Their tireless work to garner support for an international response to the conditions in Haiti and affect real change throughout the country is to be commended. They are having conversations leading to actions with U.S. Senators, Congresspersons and influential Bishops. We have connected with several, and soon to be dozens, of other “twinning” parishes across the country. These voices are being amplified and their messages being heard, demanding a response. Only God knows where this will lead. So far, so good.
Father Gaby and several of his parish have been forced to leave their village, returning only during the daylight hours. Most nights, they are not able to be in their homes (in several cases burnt beyond repair), and must sleep, as Father says, “under the stars”.
These are the same stars we see from our homes in Connecticut. Perhaps tonight we might reflect on how different life is depending on where we happen to be born. We must always remember that we are all God’s children to bear witness of the light. We are called to be His hands in this world, to strive to discern His will and do His work.
There is certainly much to do.
Marc Sherer
Sister Parish Committee Chair
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