Bishops of Haiti plead for an end to violence
ACN joined a day of day of prayer for the people of Haiti.
In a letter dated March 8th, the bishops of Haiti expressed profound concern about the violence that is sweeping their country. The letter, which was sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), and which is signed by all 10 of the country’s Catholic bishops, calls for an end to all violence and for national reconciliation, echoing a recent appeal by Pope Francis.
In their message, the bishops encourage all national agencies and players to find a solution to the current crisis and to restore peace and security for all Haitians. They also ask for the establishment of an inclusive transitional government, capable of ensuring true national harmony.
The letter explains that to maintain their neutrality, the Haitian Bishops’ Conference will not name anyone to represent the Catholic Church on the Presidential Council or in any other governing structure. Nonetheless, they have hope that ongoing dialogue will lead to an inclusive, patriotic, and long-lasting agreement, in the best interest of all Haitian people.
The bishops stress that all sectors of Haitian society should support the dream of a country without violence. “Let us put an end to these violent acts that cause so much suffering, because violence breeds violence, hatred breeds hatred, and death breeds death. Each act of destruction sets Haiti back in its march toward the progress we all desire,” the statement says. The bishops also mention Pope Francis’s invitation, issued during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, March 10th, to pray for an end to all violence in Haiti: “Each violent death of another human being is a wound in the flesh of humanity; each violent death diminishes us as apeople.”
Finally, the bishops – including Pierre-André Dumas, who is being hospitalized in the United States after an explosion in his home in Haiti – invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, to aid Haiti, and call on God to free the country from evil.
Following this urgent plea, the Episcopal Conference of Latin America (CELAM), the Latin-American Confederation of Religious (CLAR), and Caritas Latin America sent ACN an invitation to join a day of prayer on March 22nd for the people of Haiti.
“On this day, many communities still celebrate Friday of Sorrows, or Mary at the Foot of the Cross. The Virgin joins in the suffering of her Son, and today she suffers in the face of the people of Haiti, crucified by misery and violence. We ask our mother of tenderness and mercy for her intercession, that the Lord may straighten the path, open hearts, and move wills, so that our brothers may enjoy the fullness of life,” the statement says.
Conditions in Haiti have sharply worsened in recent weeks, due to the political and crises that have taken over the country since the assassination of the President in July 2021. According to figures provided by CELAM and CLAR, over three million children need humanitarian aid; 362,000 people are internally displaced; and half of the population lives in poverty, with a life expectancy of only 64 years.
Because of the violence, many people have lost loved ones; the rights of women are frequently violated; and many Haitians do not meet the minimum conditions for a dignified life.
ACN encourages its benefactors, friends, and religious communities to join in this day of prayer so that, in the words of the CELAM statement, “the voice of the Haitian people may be heard on Earth and in heaven, trusting in the mercy of God and His compassion for His children.”
—Maria Lozano
