After 96 years of Redemptorist presence in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood of Port-au-Prince and 76 years of history since the parish was founded, for the first time the patronal feast of Saint Gerard was celebrated in the Chapel of Saint Padre Pio at Delmas 33, due to the insecurity affecting Carrefour-Feuilles.
In fact, since the beginning of March of this year, due to the situation of terror that reigned in the area, the Congregation was forced to abandon the two houses located in the neighborhood, leaving behind almost a century of pastoral presence in this part of the people of God of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince.
Dispersed in areas far from the influence of armed gangs, the parish clergy reached an agreement with the Reverend Father Francky Désir, vicar general of the archdiocese and parish priest of Our Lady of Altagracia, to make the Chapel of San Padre Pio, located at Delmas 33, available to the faithful of San Gerardo. Since May, every Sunday, the faithful have continued to live their faith in this new location, waiting to be able to peacefully return to Carrefour-Feuilles.
It is in this chapel that the parish clergy organized the traditional novena of prayer in honor of Saint Gerard. On October 16, in a setting carefully prepared for the occasion, Bishop Sander Louis-Jean, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, presided over the solemn celebration.
Many faithful, dispersed by the violence, gathered with faith, devotion, and hope to joyfully honor their patron saint. All nurture the desire and hope of one day being able to return to celebrate in their ancient place of worship.
The new parish priest, Father Duckens Félix, C.Ss.R., expressed his deep gratitude to the faithful who participated in the nine days of prayer during the novena in preparation for the feast, despite the current difficulties. He also thanked the Redemptorist, diocesan, and other congregation priests who accompanied the community during these intense spiritual moments.
May peace and a fraternal spirit return to the hearts of every Haitian through the intercession of Saint Gerard, so that a new country can be built, where all can live in harmony and peace. Thus, it will be possible to return to Carrefour-Feuilles and its surrounding areas to joyfully celebrate our faith in God in the newly rebuilt parish church of Saint Gerard.
Fr. Renold Antoine, C.Ss.R.
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