La Salette’s Challenging Ministry in Haiti

My special interest in Haiti and its people began some twenty-

five years ago when I became pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish on Cape Cod in Brewster, Massachusetts. The parish was twinned with St. Claire's Parish in.

 Dessalines in northwestern Haiti. I visited our sisters and brothers in Haiti seventeen times to assess the needs of the missions. During each visit, I was accompanied by parishioners, including teenagers. We would bring medication given by doctors on Cape Cod, toothbrushes collected by the children, and money.

Haiti is the poorest country in our hemisphere. We provided funds needed to build schools, chapels and an infirmary. We also provided a daily hot meal to over 2,000 schoolchildren in the mission's Catholic schools. For many of these children, it was the day's only meal.

The need is great to bring Mary’s message 

Because of this work, the Bishop of the Diocese of Gonaïves invited the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette to take charge of two diocese parishes. Presently, there are four La Salette priests working in these two parishes. Through the La Salette Missionary Association, based at our La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts, help continues to be provided to these two parishes. A new school was recently built in Gilbert. The parish school in Haute Feuille has been expanded.

The two parishes provide education to more than 2,200 students in four schools. Kids cannot be taught on empty stomachs, so a daily hot meal is also provided. The two parishes have chapels to serve the people in the outlying areas of the parishes, which require travel. Diesel costs $6 per gallon – equivalent to a week's salary.

Teachers and cooks need to be paid for these schools to function. Because of cholera, wells need to be dug to provide clean water for the people of the areas. Yes, the needs are great!

Haitians are industrious, inventive, and capable of building schools, churches, and other needed facilities. However, they do not have the money to provide the building materials. Because of the generosity of many American Catholics, we can provide the cement, gravel, and rebar to build much-needed buildings. The native Haitians provide the manpower and will. 

The Missionaries of La Salette now have a permanent ministry in Haiti. Young men see our work and ministry. Some have asked to join the La Salette Community. Haiti could be a rich source of La Salette vocations. Four young men have been in formation for four years, discerning their vocation. On October 29, 2023, they made their first profession of vows as Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. They will then go on to study for the priesthood in Madagascar. Pray for them as they enter the second phase of their religious and priestly formation.

A beacon of hope for God’s needy people

I am sure you have heard that Haiti is in great turmoil. When I used to visit Haiti with parishioners, we felt safe. Two years ago, the president of Haiti was assassinated. Since then, political gangs have been fighting for control of the country. Other gangs are taking advantage of the situation for money.

People are held hostage. Travel on the roads is limited because of these gangs. The ordinary people of Haiti are suffering. There are no legal rights, protection, government, security, or economy. People live in fear. We can help the people through the Church. We need to do this! Help for the poor – the ordinary people of Haiti – is nowhere else to be found.

Our La Salette Missionaries ministering in Haiti help to feed, build, teach, console, and strengthen Mary’s people with the Sacraments, and form future priests for Haiti and beyond. The Church along with the La Salette Missionaries remain beacons of hope for the Haitian people.

(Fr. Bernie Baris, M.S. is Director of the Missionary Association, 947 Park Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703)