Haitians celebrate New Year’s Day as Independence Day, marking their country’s freedom from French colonial rule. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant of this year’s Mass to mark the occasion at Holy Cross Church, Flatbush. The day was organized by the Diocesan Ministry to Haitian Immigrants, coordinated by Father Saint Charles Borno. The guest preacher was Father Ralph Theodat, a professor of theology at the Grand Seminaire Notre Dame in Haiti. After Mass, participants went to the parish hall where they enjoyed the traditional soup joumou. For more about the celebration, see The Editor’s Space.
(Photos: Ed Wilkinson)
It’s wonderful to see Holy Cross full and loved. Happy Independence Day!