It is something that I do several times a day. I do not always give it sufficient reflection. I guess it is because I
get so used to something until it is not there and even then have other options. I am referring to the action of water
flowing from faucets. I was thinking of it last night in light of my recent trip to Haiti. When Fr. Theo was here to visit in
September he shared with me the way in which feast days are celebrated in Haiti. After Easter and Christmas the feast
day is the most important celebration in parishes throughout Haiti. It made sense then that a return visit to our sister
parish should be for their feast day—January 25th—the Conversion of St. Paul. Accompanied by Sr. Elsa, Laurette and
Kevin Dempsey, I headed out in the early morning of January 22nd for my 2nd visit to the parish there, my 8th visit to
Haiti.
You may remember that in the first visit, meeting with representatives of the parish there, we asked what their
needs were. The first need cited was for them to have a place for Fr. Theo to live. They desperately wanted their pastor
living there. The shell of a proposed rectory stood there 6 months ago and it would be a very slow process of
completion without other assistance. Through the generosity of parishioners and non parishioners, along with the
proceeds from the Wine and Food Tasting, we have contributed $30,000 to that project. It is amazing what has been
accomplished in such a short time. The shell is now a home, furnished and habitable. Fr. Theo made me laugh when
recounting that in order to encourage the parishioners to work on the house, the parishioner in charge, Simone, would
ask on days that they seemed less enthused if they intended to have the visitors from St. Vincent de Paul stay with
them or where they stayed previously (an orphanage about an hour or so drive away) and that they would respond
“here” and then, with a new energy, would return to working on the rectory.
We were greeted with such warmth and affection when we arrived. Within hours of reaching Nanpol members
of the community gathered for the blessing of the rectory and we were not spectators but participants. Fr. Theo is so
thoughtful and considerate and made a point of making sure that each person in our group had a part to play. He
speaks with such joy about the hope that we as a community of believers bring to our sisters and brothers in Nanpol,
and to him as pastor there.
The feast day celebration was sure not to disappoint. Priests began to arrive the night before. The choir
rehearsed for hours; so much so that we were able to participate in the sung parts of the Mass as we had heard the
pieces so often. On the morning of the feast day the community was alive with activity and the excitement could be
witnessed in the enthusiasm and energy of those around us. They invigorated us. For the Mass, the church was filled to
overflowing. There were nearly 20 priest concelebrants, civil officials and leaders from the local community. The feast
day is not just for the parish but for the entire region. Many of those present had walked hours to be there. As is par for
the course the Mass spanned almost 3 hours—the homily alone was almost 50 minutes. I did not time it—others shared
that tidbit with me. As a concelebrant I prayed part of the Eucharistic Prayer in English, again Fr. Theo is so aware of
making sure that we are included. Sr. Elsa proclaimed the Second Reading of the Mass and Kevin Dempsey read one of
the Prayers of the Faithful. It certainly was not a case of watching the clock as the time passed, packed with many
beautiful moments. I was given the opportunity to speak with the congregation with the assistance of an interpreter.
These are the words I shared with them: My dear sisters and brothers in Christ. I greet you in the name of your
sisters and brothers of St. Vincent de Paul parish on this your patronal feast day. St. Paul shows us what discipleship
in Jesus entails. He urges us on our journey to forget what is behind and to push on to what lies ahead. Six months
ago we met here and you asked that we would return. Now by the grace of God here we are again. Thanks be to God
who is always victorious in us, proclaims the great Apostle. It is such a joy to be with you and to see the progress that
has been made. Your prayer to have your pastor living among you has been answered through the assistance of your
sisters and brothers bound to you in faith and love by Jesus. For us, and as I see so clearly for you also, the only
important thing is to know and love Christ. Love of Jesus is our true happiness. Love opens hearts. Love brings us
comfort in affliction and difficulty. In being loved by Christ we possess everything even, and most especially, in our
poverty. The one who is truly poor is the one who does not love Christ. Jesus’ love is made visible in His command
which we must follow—love, as I have loved you. I am most humbled by your welcome, your joy and the hospitality
Fr. Theo and you have shown us. Let us continue to pray for one another. Let us work together so that God may be
glorified in all that we do.
So back to the water. It is disturbing to note that the people of Nanpol live in the appalling conditions that they
are in. In the 21st century they have no running water. I thought of that last night as I was filling the dogs’ water bowl.
They depend on rivers and streams for water, carrying containers for many, many miles. Through the generosity of a
parishioner there is now a pump at the well in our sister parish—the water from that well is certainly not drinkable. It
is my hope that we may be able to assist not just the parish but the community of Nanpol in providing water that is
treated and may be consumed free of contamination. The research on this has already begun. I also pray that we will be
able to continue assistance in other ways. Soon photos of the trip will be posted to our parish website for you to view. I
have asked the other members of our group who visited last week to provide a reflection on the experience from their
perspective which will be in the next bulletin. Thank you to all who prayed for our safe travels and who have continued
to express interest in our parish mission. More information will follow.
Peace,
Fr. Richard