Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port au Prince (Agenzia Fides) - There are about 20 Jesuits who live in Haiti, the majority of them being Haitian, all very committed to the reconstruction of the Country. According to information provided to Fides by the General Curia SJ, during 2010 the main challenge was discerning the most urgent necessities and, among these, separate those which they could intervene in, in accordance with the charisma of the Jesuits. Thus were established five priorities: to develop basic schools (a formative base) in collaboration with the network “Fe y Alegría”; to sustain refugees (urgent interventions and in defence of human rights); to solicit social formation for the reconstruction of the Country; to propose a spiritual accompaniment adapted to the circumstances; to contribute to the reinforcement of Haitian-Dominican relations. “It is too early to evaluate the efforts made in the past 12 months. Much remains to be done and the path is long,” emphasised the note from the Jesuits. “However, the inner strength of the Haitian people in the face of the situation they are experiencing has affected many.”
Overall, the houses and the works of the Jesuits were affected less than others from the violence of the earthquake of 12 January 2010, and all the Jesuits who were in Haiti at the time survived the earthquake. Only one priest was wounded in the collapse of a building (see Fides 15/1/2010). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 11/01/2011)
