The Diocesan Haitian Apostolate gathered at Holy Innocents Church, Flatbush, on New Year’s Day for its traditional celebration of Haiti’s Independence Day. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant of the Mass which was celebrated in French/Creole. Retired Auxiliary Bishop Guy Sansaricq was among the concelebrants, as was Father Jean Delva, coordinator of the Haitian Apostolate, and priests who serve in Haitian parishes. Father Jean Miguel Auguste, pastor of St. Pius X parish, Rosedale, preached the homily. The liturgy featured a colorful procession with banners, designating parishes with large Haitian congregations, and music by the Diocesan Haitian Choir. A reception in the parish hall followed. On Jan. 1, 1804, Haiti, located in the West Indies, made history by being the first black country to win its independence. Previously, it had been a colony of France.