By The Tablet Staff
Bishop Robert Brennan invites the faithful of the diocese to join him in prayer for Haiti at Mass on Monday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Innocents Parish in Flatbush. The church is that day’s stop on the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage.
Haiti stands on the brink of civil war, as described by Archbishop Max Leroy Mésidor of Port-au-Prince, who is president of the Haitian Bishops’ Conference.
Archbishop Mésidor conveyed to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that armed gangs operate with alarming organization, overpowering the efforts of law enforcement. This has severely hampered the Church’s charitable activities, exacerbating a dire situation.
Bishop Brennan issued a statement addressing the developing situation in Haiti, asking all parishes to pray during the unrest.
“Please pray for peace in Haiti and a peaceful resolution to this political crisis as we stand in solidarity with so many here in Brooklyn and in Queens who are concerned about loved ones in Haiti,” said Bishop Brennan. “We also continue to pray for Bishop Pierre-Andre Dumas of Anse-a-Veau-Miragoane and his healing,” he added.
After sustaining severe burns in a Feb. 18 explosion, Bishop Dumas is recovering in Miami.
The pervasive violence in Haiti, pitting anti-government factions against police forces, has paralyzed the already fragile economy and exacerbated food insecurity among the most vulnerable populations. As the nation grapples with ongoing turmoil, authorities have extended a state of emergency and imposed nightly curfews in a bid to quell the escalating violence and safeguard key institutions.
The closure of the main port in Port-au-Prince has resulted in critical shortages of essential supplies. U.N. reports indicate that over half of Haiti’s 11 million people are struggling to access adequate food, and 1.4 million are facing starvation.
While grocery stores in affluent areas of the capital remain stocked, most citizens who earn less than $2 a day need help to afford these provisions.
Kidnappings have become rampant, instilling fear across all sectors of society, including religious communities. Archbishop Mésidor lamented the challenges of fulfilling his pastoral duties amid pervasive suffering, violence, and deprivation.
Blocked roads have restricted access to vast parts of the archbishop’s diocese, forcing him to rely on air travel, while the specter of danger looms even within sacred spaces, as gangs have invaded churches to abduct individuals.
Recent coordinated attacks by gangs have claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands from their homes, with infrastructure and institutions falling prey to violence and arson.
The situation has worsened as essential services remain shuttered, exacerbating the plight of the marginalized. Schools, banks, and government offices remain closed, while exorbitant fuel prices drive citizens to the black market.
Despite the perilous conditions, seminarians and catechists persevere in their mission.
Archbishop Mésidor emphasized the importance of unity among bishops in confronting these challenges, underscoring the need for solidarity and perseverance during these trying times, particularly as the Lenten season unfolds.
The Church, amid myriad difficulties, continues its vital role in fostering community and hope, offering spiritual guidance and support to the beleaguered populace.
Acknowledging the invaluable assistance of ACN, Archbishop Mésidor highlighted the organization’s contributions to sustaining the Church’s operations and providing essential aid to those in need.
