AMERICA/HAITI - Signs of hope: 3 Haitian deacons among the Claretians, a year on from the earthquake

Jimani (Agenzia Fides) – The Father General of the Congregation of the Claretians, Father Josep Maria Abella, shortly before Christmas, visited the missionary zones of Kasal and Nason in Haiti, and met with the local community of Claretians, who after 12 months are still experiencing the drama of the earthquake, aggravated by the outbreak of the cholera epidemic, by natural disasters, by insecurity and by violence. In attendance were: the Major Superior of the Antilles, Father Hector Cuadrado; the local Superior, Father Joachim Grendotti; Fathers Beauplan Derilus and Aníbal Zilli. Also present were the new Haitian deacons: Pascal Renoncourt, Jeancius Pierre Louis and Lefranc Jeannot.
In the note sent to Fides, it was stated that during the meeting they were able to share their concerns and the responses that the Claretians are giving to Haiti. It is a mission with many challenges, however, the call to continue to maintain the presence of the Claretian missionaries in the Country is much stronger.
Among the many challenges, springs up a sign of hope: the ordination of the three Haitian deacons that took place in Jimani, in the Dominican Republic, on the border with Haiti, where the Claretians are developing an important missionary project. The consecrating Bishop was Mons. Rafael Felipe, Bishop of Barahona, D.R. Present were the Father General and Father Hector Cuadrado, CMF, Major Superior of the Antilles, many Claretians and a large representation of the Christian communities on both sides of the border. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 10/01/2011)