Since 2017, the Dominican Family has annually chosen a country or region where the Dominican presence is significant and where violence and conflict are severely affecting both people and the planet. This year, we are focusing our prayers and actions for peace in Haiti. As the Sisters and Associates of Sparkill, we feel deeply connected to this cause, having supported the people of Haiti since the 2010 earthquake.
Through our long-standing partnership with the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, New Jersey, we have assisted the communities of Cuvier and TiMache in addressing their educational, medical, environmental, and housing needs. However, much of the progress we made has been destroyed by gang violence and the absence of a stable government. Today, our friends in Haiti face daily danger and severe shortages of food and clean water.
Amid these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope: a small school in Santo, a neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, continues to remain open and welcomes children each morning.
Despite the turmoil, we remain committed to supporting our Haitian sisters and brothers. We do so through prayer, financial assistance, and advocacy, particularly around issues such as arms and ammunition trafficking in the region, much of which originates from the United States.
The Dominican Sisters of the Presentation in Haiti, including Sr. Mirlande Janvier, Sr. Rosemithe Jean, Sr. Clenēse Honoré, Sr. Marie Marthe Placius, and two aspirants, continue their work through the Centre Missionnaire Marie Poussepin. Their efforts include the Maison d'Accueil, École Maternelle Marie Poussepin, and Centre Pédiatrie Marie Poussepin. Sr. Marie Marthe, the prioress, oversees Clinique St. Esprit, focusing on nursing care and malnutrition prevention. Sr. Clenēse manages the Guest House and nursery school, which struggles with funding. Sr. Rosemithe and Sr. Mirlande run the Paediatric Centre, providing medical care to children in Croix de Bouquets. Despite the ongoing violence and insecurity, the Sisters remain steadfast in their mission.
Around the world, Dominicans are observing this month as a time for peace. We engage in prayer, study (with upcoming webinars in January), and direct service through both assistance and advocacy.
- Click here to view Valorie Lordi’s preaching about Haiti from the most recent Advent Vespers.
- Click here to join the Amityville Dominican Sisters’ Rosary for Peace in Haiti, on Monday, December 23 at 6:45 PM ET.
- Click here to learn more about the Dominican Month for Peace on DomLife.
- Click here to take action through the Quixote Center to prevent the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. TPS allows Haitians currently in the U.S. to remain legally, protecting them from deportation to a country where it may be unsafe due to ongoing crises.
Let us continue to stand with Haiti, praying for peace, advocating for justice, and offering our support in every way we can.
