In southern Haiti, in Béraud, from April 6 to 10, 2026, Redemptorist missionaries from Haiti and the Dominican Republic will meet for their annual retreat.
During this week of the Octave of Easter, in the green and serene surroundings of Béraud, in an atmosphere of reunion, reflection and fraternity, the Redemptorist missionaries of the area, which bring together the communities of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, for their traditional annual spiritual retreat.
This year’s retreat is led by Father Stanley Charles, SJ, and focuses on the theme: “Peace be with you” (Jn 19:21).
This annual gathering is not merely a canonical obligation. It represents an important moment for us Redemptorists working throughout the island. Setting aside geographical boundaries and current sociopolitical challenges, the confreres from both countries came together to share their faith, their pastoral experiences, and their common vision of mission. (**)
By withdrawing from the world for a few days, we are not seeking to escape reality, but to draw from it the spiritual strength necessary to continue proclaiming the abundant redemption with greater enthusiasm.
May the risen Christ enlighten and accompany us so that we may return to our local communities renewed, with a transformed spirit, in order to continue serving the poorest with more love, zeal, and creativity.
Fr. Renold Antoine, C.Ss.R.
(**) We recall that Haiti is experiencing a catastrophic multidimensional crisis characterized by a power vacuum, where criminal gangs control much of the territory and public services. Political instability, marked by violence, corruption, and a lack of functioning institutions, has generated a social collapse with serious human rights violations, acute food insecurity for half the population, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are currently very tense and complex, marked by a profound security crisis in Haiti, border closures, and mass deportations by the Dominican Republic. This “toxic neighborhood” is characterized by a significant socioeconomic imbalance, with the Dominican Republic seeking to protect its territory from the instability of its neighbor.
In these times of great difficulty for Haiti, only the church, through its missionaries and religious people, manages to give hope to the people who suffer hunger and violence every day.
(note from Scala News)
