AMERICA/HAITI - Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception: sisters are fine, although buildings have suffered tremendous damage

Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) – The Superior General of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception (MIC) has contacted Agenzia Fides to inform that the Congregation has suffered greatly in the earthquake in Haiti.
The MIC have 49 sisters in Haiti (counting the postulants and novices). Two of them are Canadian. The work of the Missionaries takes place primarily in schools, health centers, centers of catechism at the parish ministry, and several parishes.
Sister Louise Denis, MIC, Superior General of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception (MIC), tells Fides: "I talked with our sisters the day after the earthquake, and thanks be to God, they are all fine. Unfortunately, the damage to our buildings is tremendous. The sisters are living outside for fear of it collapsing. We are very sad for everything that is happening ... We pray to the Lord to accompany the victims, and that the assistance that is coming to the rescue can somehow alleviate the suffering of the victims.”
The MIC was founded in 1902 by Delia Tetreault. They have founded religious houses in mission countries: Philippines, Japan, Cuba, Peru, and many others. In Haiti, the MIC are working with the poorest in education and at the parish. The latest initiative at Dubuisson, with farmers in an area fairly set apart from the population, has meant a real challenge as they had to start from scratch with schools, health centers, mission animation, and other pastoral duties. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 15/01/2010)