Haitian leaders from the Diocese of Brooklyn traveled to Texas this week with a dual purpose: to aid newly arrived Haitian migrants in the U.S., and to better understand their needs in preparation for their possible arrival up north.
Haiti
More Than 150 Catholic Organizations ask Biden to Stop Expedited Migrant Expulsions
Responding to the border crisis in Del Rio, Texas, and broader immigration issues, more than 150 Catholic organizations last week implored President Joe Biden to end a policy called Title 42 — federal permission for the immediate expulsion of migrants and limitation of their right to seek asylum.
Catholic Leaders Urge Humane Treatment for Haitian Migrants as Numbers Grow
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee and the head of Catholic Charities USA issued a joint statement Sept. 22 urging humane treatment of Haitians and other migrants as their numbers grow in southern Texas at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Church Leaders Saddened by Senate Official’s Ruling Against Immigration Reform
Now that passing immigration reform measures in the budget reconciliation package may be off the table, immigration advocates fear a divided Congress won’t stray from party lines to pass immigration reform through traditional means.
Bishop: Haiti Focusing on Rebuilding Churches to Rebuild the Country
Bishop Pierre André Dumas said rebuilding his post-quake homeland of Haiti depends on repairing places of worship. “We put the focus on the rebuilding of the churches because, we think, that is how we rebuild the human being,” he said. “If you can rebuild the human being, spiritually, you can rebuild the country.”
Brother Priests Remember ‘A True Apostle in Brooklyn’
The Diocese of Brooklyn, including clergy across Brooklyn and Queens, is remembering retired Auxiliary Bishop Guy A. Sansaricq upon his passing as “a man of heart, a man of peace.”
Music, Quiet Prayer, Heartfelt Petitions Offered for Haiti, Afghanistan
A candlelight service at St. Francis of Assisi Church Aug. 23 offered uplifting music, quiet prayer and heartfelt petitions for those struggling in the chaos of Haiti and Afghanistan. The event incorporated Scripture, silent reflection, musical response and prayer.
Quake Latest Barrier to Vaccine Distribution in Haiti, But ‘Hope on the Horizon’
Of the 500,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to reach Haiti so far, only about 5%, have been injected into people’s arms. The Aug. 14 earthquake gets a lot of blame for that, but the assassination of Haiti’s president and a hesitancy among people to get their shots have also delayed the distribution, health officials said.
Pews Donated by the Diocese of Brooklyn Unscathed Inside Quake-Damaged Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Anne may have to be demolished following the Aug. 14 earthquake in Haiti. But pews and a bell donated from the Diocese of Brooklyn had no damage, and will continue to be part of the cathedral, whether it is rebuilt or repaired, the pastor said.
Diocese Has Deep Connections to Haitian-Americans, Immigrants
The Diocese of Brooklyn has the second highest population of Haitian-Americans and immigrants in the U.S. The diocese’s mobilization to help quake-ravaged Haiti stems from the solid bond between the long-suffering nation and the Roman Catholic Church.