Imagine living in an ongoing state of hunger, surrounded by political unrest and violence, with unreliable access to electricity, stable housing, healthcare, and education.
Shortages of basic necessities abound, and there is little prospect for the situation to improve.
Rather, conditions seem to get worse with the recurrence of natural disasters, political upheaval, and other tragedies.
This is the reality for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti, where more than 25 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty (less than $2 per day).
Challenging conditions
“Every national institution there is in a state of collapse, stated Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison.
“The president was murdered two years ago, the economy is in ruins, the country is riven with gang violence and kidnappings, and education and healthcare are abysmal.”
Not only is Haiti the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean region, but it is also among the poorest countries in the world. People in Haiti face hunger, malnourishment, and thirst on a daily basis.
In fact, 45 percent of the population does not have enough to eat, according to the World Food Programme.
With the island situated near multiple fault lines, the nation is also susceptible to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding.
Yet, in spite of these many trials, the people in the Diocese of Jacmel in southeastern Haiti offer their sacrificial prayers for us parishioners here in the Diocese of Madison. They find joy amidst suffering.
The diocese has a special relationship with the Diocese of Jacmel.
In October 2021, Bishop Hying established a formal covenant with the Diocese of Jacmel centered on charity, prayer, and solidarity.
We continue that partnership today.
Sr. Marylin Minter, who is part of the Felician Mission in Jacmel, implores us to not give up on Haiti: “The only thing I can tell you is this, do not give up. The problem is that people [organizations] give up on Haiti.”
But, the people of Haiti have not abandoned hope. Bishop Hying remarked, “In my regular Zoom sessions with Bishop [Marie Erick] Touissant, I have been inspired by his joy, faith, and service to the Lord and the Church in a very difficult, if not impossible situation. This spiritual resilience finds resonance in his priests and people as well.”
Though tremendously poor by all metrics of the world, the people of Jacmel are rich in spirit and alive in their faith; they have not given up.
Despite all the turmoil Haiti has faced, the nation maintains a vibrant culture.
Haiti is the second-oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere and the third largest country in the Caribbean region.
The culture fuses African, French, and West Indian elements.
For people in Haiti, dancing is a way of life and is interwoven into religious practices and celebrations.
Haitian music is vibrant and danceable. It demonstrates a beautiful mixture of various influences, including French, African, native Taino, and even Spanish musical rhythms and instruments.
Haiti is also known for its rich folklore traditions.
As for sports, Haitians are extremely passionate about football (soccer). Family is highly valued, and family structures are strong.
As expressed on the site for Restavek Freedom, a child advocacy organization, “in the midst of the poverty that dominates decision making, parents will sacrifice their own health and lives for the good of the Haitian children, whom they consider ‘gifts from God’”.
Most Haitians are Roman Catholic and make their faith an important part of their daily lives.
Although we are separated from the people of Jacmel by physical distance and in life circumstances, we share a common faith as members of a global Church.
An example for all of us
This past weekend, we celebrated Gaudete Sunday, which comes from the Latin word meaning “Rejoice’’.
This particular Sunday of Advent, signified by the rose-colored candle, is a reminder of God’s love for us and a call to rejoice as we remember the birth of Jesus.
This joy extends further to the anticipation of the second coming of Jesus.
Let us embrace this time in Advent and learn from our brothers and sisters in Haiti to rejoice, take shelter in God, and renew our spiritual strength, regardless of the hardships and trials we may face.
“It is the Haitian people’s faith, their sacrificial prayers for our own parishioners and our diocese, and their ability to look beyond horrible personal circumstances and be joyfully open to friendship with others in a global Church that can inspire all of us here in the Diocese of Madison,” said Bishop Hying.
As members of the Body of Christ, we must continue to extend our support to the people of Haiti, learn from their spiritual resilience, and keep them in our prayers.