Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) - “This is my first experience of international aid abroad,” says Br. Luca Perletti, Consultor General of the Camillian Order and professional male-nurse who has been working in Haiti for weeks. “I am struck by the number of young volunteers, many without reference to institutions, who have come out here to help." Brother Luca continues the story with his visit to the community of sisters "Little Sisters of Jesus," an international community of six sisters located in a neighborhood of the capital. "Their house is at the end of a narrow road made impassable by debris, carcasses of cars, and the many people that call the street home. All around there is great movement, but also peace. For years, the neighborhood, has been divided into zones whose leader is working with the nuns in solving everyday problems. Here, for example, in the distribution of food, six Little Sisters deliver the necessary food for the families of each sector in sheer peace and tranquility! The house is a small headquarters, where they stock the goods (not many), where there are meetings, prayer, and people come together. Faithful to their charism of silent work, these sisters share the life of the people, in all forms, even that of sleeping on the sidewalks, given the precarious state of construction. For the last few days, they have been back at home, after the Italian Fire Brigade gave the OK for habitability. Their house is reached by an extremely narrow two-way road that winds around the sprawl of houses and you cannot help but slow down when you come upon a nearby grammar school that was reduced to rubble here, on January 12. Nearly 200 children were participating in the afternoon classes. 25 survived. 20 bodies were recovered, but the rest are still buried. Around it, life goes on normally. A few meters away, loudspeakers broadcast music at high volume. They are songs inspired by one of the many denominations of Protestant churches that, in this climate of drama, offer an immediate consolation. The gathering brings together hundreds of people who come to seek a consolation in the songs and words of hope. What a contrast to the peace, serenity, and organization of the six sisters I just met! But the people of Haiti also needs this song, music and celebration to be able to face the struggles of everyday life! And as we leave the district, I am amazed by words left on a wall: Adieu Port-au-Prince: Haiti never die." (AP/LP) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2010)
