As we remember the devastating earthquake in Haiti on this day last month and the stories of heartbreak and heroism, I can’t help thinking back with admiration and gratitude to my experience with the Haitian people in the late nineties. As Director of the Diocesan Haitian Center in Trenton, New Jersey I ministered to all Haitians in the area, Catholic or not, with any services they needed. Since most Haitian people are poor even here in the United States, they needed help with notices of eviction or power turn off, need for food and clothing, and assistance navigating the confusing and intimidating Welfare and Immigration systems. On one hand the people were needy; however that was only half of the picture. I learned so much from their rich culture. They are a people of dignity, warmth and graciousness, of strong faith, people who looked out for the needy in their community. This morning on NPR a Haitian bishop expressed thanks for the food aid that is finally beginning to help the people. However he spoke of their urgent need for housing before the rainy season starts as well as their continuing need for clean water. He concluded by saying that he has confidence in his people and hope that the world community will assist them to rebuild and strengthen their country.
Here in the Motherhouse we are living Haiti week with videos, books, collection of donations, and sharings from sisters on our Haiti committee. IHM sisters have a special commitment to Haiti because of our co-foundress’s Haitian roots. A number of our sisters have traveled to Haiti in connection with projects we’ve helped to sponsor. As I looked through the resources provided for us I found this poem written some years ago by a Haitian boy named Gayly living in St. Joseph home for Boys in Port au Prince. I’d like to share it with you.
Father!
Please listen to my prayer.
Children are hungry.
Children are sad and alone.
Children are crying. Children are scared.
Send them angels of joy and encouragement.
Send them angles to protect them from harm.
But, Father
Where are your angels of mercy?
Are they sitting in their comfortable clouds
When children need your help?
Tell those angels there is work to do!
Send Your angels to tell the children that you hear their prayers.
from A Gathering of Angels edited by Peter Eyvindson
