Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) - The National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Brazil, Father Camilo Pauletti, spent a week in Haiti (April 2 to 9) and was able to see the problems, experiences and hopes of that country. "Our objective was to know the position of the people and the Church of Haiti, to establish a fellowship and a presence in order to show solidarity in the missionary spirit," said father Pauletti.
In the note sent from the POM of Brazil to Fides, it gives an account of this "solidarity visit" which was also attended by the President of the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB), Sister Marian Ambrose. Through contact with the Haitian people father Pauletti could see the reality of the country after the earthquake of January 12, 2010. "As a Church, to live with the Church of Haiti for a week was important because it encouraged the harmony, the feeling of concern, involvement and promotion of practical support," he said.
Despite the pain, which is still present on the faces of the Haitian people, the National Director of the PMS in Brazil also saw signs of hope present in the country, "the challenges are many, but the solidarity of the Haitian people is manifested in trying to save lives and share what little they have. "
During his visit, father Pauletti visited the national headquarters of the Pontifical Mission in Haiti and spoke to the National Director, Father Clark de la Cruz, who described the missionary commitment. Father Clark encouraged the various groups and Adolescent Mission to work for solidarity. At the moment there is a campaign where children are engaged in planting trees.
The presence of six sisters sent by the Church in Brazil has produced good results in Haiti (see Fides 20/9/2010, 21/2/2011). "It is a beautiful presence that encouraged the Haitian people to overcome the challenges and poverty, worsened by the earthquake," said father Pauletti . "The nuns create small social projects: developing plantations of community gardens, teach sewing, orient pregnant women and work in communicating with the people. They have nothing, and live as the people live, they use public transport, share food and the Word of God with the people, and try to be a sign of life for the children and young people, "noted father Pauletti , who during his stay in Haiti got to know the mission of Bethlehem, that is to say a group of five young Brazilians (three women and two men) who live among the Haitian people by giving witness to life. (EC) (Agenzia Fides 14/04/2011)
