Liturgically, on Jan. 1, we celebrated the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Of course, the day also marked the first of a New Year. For the Haitian community, it also was the 212th observance of the Independence Day of their homeland.

Haiti became an independent country on Jan. 1, 1804, after a slave revolt freed the island nation from French rule. It was the world’s first successful slave revolution resulting in an independent nation.

Each year, Haitian Catholics in Brooklyn are joined by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to mark the occasion. This year’s celebration took place at St. Teresa of Avila Church on Classon Ave. and Sterling Place in Crown Heights.

The bishop was the main celebrant of the liturgy in French-Creole with about 20 Haitian priests who serve here in the diocese. The readings also were in the native language of Haiti as well as the powerful 25-minute sermon.

Music was festive with singing performed by the Diocesan Haitian Choir accompanied by musical instruments that included horns, clarinets, organ and percussion.

As is the tradition, a dramatic rendition of the Te Deum, a Latin hymn of joy and thanksgiving, followed Communion.

Traditional Delicacy

After Mass, the more than 500 people adjoined to the parish hall beneath the church to share Soup Joumou, a pumpkin soup that has become the traditional delicacy for Haitian Independence Day.

It is said that the soup was once reserved for white masters of the plantations in Haiti but forbidden to the slaves who cooked it. After independence was declared, all Haitians enjoyed it as a sign of equality and solidarity. It is served with biscuits and meat patties.

At the clergy table, Bishop DiMarzio ladled out the soup to the priests, before partaking of the soup himself.

City Councilman Mathieu Eugene addressed the congregation, praising the role that Bishop DiMarzio has played in the Haitian community, especially in his efforts to assist the rebuilding of the country since the violent earthquake that shook so much of the island in January, 2010.

Bishop DiMarzio quoted Pope John Paul II in saying that every nation has the power to renew itself, as he urged neighboring nations to change their attitudes and to help the rebuilding of the Haitian infrastructure.

The hard-working pastor of St. Teresa’s, Father St. Charles Borno, spoke about his dream for a Haitian Catholic Center in Brooklyn or Queens, praying that it may one day become a reality.

“Even in the worst of situations, the Haitian people are always hopeful,” said the pastor. “We never give up, and therefore we are hopeful and joyful in our praise of God.”

One With Haiti

Norma Felix, a member of St. Theresa’s parish, said that, “Praying for Haiti makes me feel like I’m one with the people there, even though I’m here and they are in Haiti. We’re all praying for only one thing and that is for Haiti to be better.”

It was through unity and solidarity that the Haitian people fought off the colonists and established their independence, explained Councilman Eugene. He expressed hope that conditions will improve in Haiti as its people stand united and hopeful in their efforts today.

See more photos, here.