A Mexican border diocese has issued an urgent appeal for assistance as hundreds of Haitian migrants arrive in the oft-violent city of Nuevo Laredo, hoping to apply for asylum in the United States.
Haitians
Bishops Urge Mexico to Return to Policy of ‘Open Arms’
The Mexican bishops’ migrant ministry has called on the federal government to return to a policy of “open arms” as the country experiences heavy waves of migration — most visibly with Haitians, who recently traveled the length of Mexico to the U.S. border in large numbers.
Local Haitians Concerned Over Violence in Their Native Country
The violence that has been rocking Haiti for weeks is being watched warily by Haitian-American Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Bishop Sansaricq Is Honored on His 85th Birthday
Retired Auxiliary Bishop Guy A. Sansaricq was honored on Oct. 5 by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Haitian Apostolate at Our Lady of Miracles, Canarsie, for his 85th birthday and for his nearly 60 years of service as a priest.
Flatbush Parish Hosts National Haitian Youth Rally
Energetic youth from across the eastern seaboard gathered at Our Lady of Refuge in Flatbush Feb. 23 to participate in the annual Youth Rally sponsored by The National Center of the Haitian Apostolate and The Brooklyn Haitian Ministry. The 2019 theme was “Lead and Be Fruitful.”
For Haitians, New Year’s Day Celebrates Their Independence
Haitians celebrate New Year’s Day as Independence Day, marking their country’s freedom from French colonial rule. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio celebrated this year’s Mass to mark the occasion at Holy Cross Church, Flatbush.
Pumpkin Soup and Camels Help Make Brooklyn Diverse
As we began a new year, Haitians observed New Year’s Day as their Independence Day and they celebrated by drinking pumpkin soup. This coming weekend, Hispanics mark the Feast of the Epiphany. Part of that celebration will be the Parade of the Three Kings with live camels in Williamsburg.
January 1 Has Extra Meaning for Haitians
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.