This Mother's Day, watch this video message from a mother in Haiti. Chantal Coutard is a friend of the Maryknoll missioners. She asks us all to send our prayers and best wishes for all the mothers in Haiti to keep the faith in the possibility of a better world.
Haiti has seen growing instability since the 2010 earthquake, exacerbated by the assassination of their president in 2021. For Haitian Mothers Day, celebrated on May 28th, let us keep in mind those caught up in the turmoil.
Pray
God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond disaster
to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.
Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry,
shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.Prayer by Catholic Relief Services
Study
Haiti is plagued by dire shortages in fuel and gas. Gang violence is increasing. Physical violence and kidnapping is risked every time one steps outside. People cannot reach lifesaving health care and food insecurity is already taking lives as people are finding it harder and harder to eat, both due to the disruption of transport and long periods of drought.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns has reported the deterioration of order in Haiti from the perspectives of Lay Missioners on the ground and from diaspora leaders. The Office is proud of its efforts for the TPS redesignation of Haiti, which has since been extended through August, 2024. We remain prayerful, hoping for peace and the restitution of order.
Act
Join the #Vigil4Haiti - coordinated by the Haiti Response Coalition, posting on social media to share the grief and make the world know the cost of the crisis in Haiti. Be sure to use the #Vigil4Haiti, #veypouAyit, and #pèdiwout hashtags and include @HaitiWatch
Organize an event on Haitian Mother’s Day, Sunday May 28 at your church or faith community, with family and friends or your larger community. Register the event with Haiti Response here.
Photo by Mike Labrum on Unsplash