“They’re underestimating the tremendous amount of work being done by the Haitian people themselves,” Deacon Moynihan said. “We’ve watched for weeks and weeks the reporting of the terrible situation of the cholera without seeing one major newspaper covering Haitian doctors really treating Haitian people. That’s what our students who’ve become doctors have been engaged in. That makes me sad.”
He feels that portraying Haitians as helpless without the efforts of the international community takes away the possibility of hope and self-reliance being built within the people.
Deacon Moynihan, who read the Gospel this weekend at the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul during a Mass presided over by Bishop Dumas, said he feels blessed to have the support of Bishop Tobin, his predecessors, the priests and people of the diocese in helping The Haitian Project to continue its mission.
“It’s the strength they’ve built in us over 25 years that we’ve been able to call upon to be of service to the people at this very critical moment,” Deacon Moynihan said.
The project raised $164,000 in extra funds to do direct relief work, with 90 percent of it already invested in the country. Half of that amount has been dedicated to building permanent housing.
“All of it is making a real progressive difference,” Deacon Moynihan said.
After the earthquake, the church reacted through the efforts of Catholic organizations of charity, including Caritas and Food For the Poor to help rebuild communities from the ground up.
On Jan. 12, the Diocese of Nippes—which serves 500,000 Catholics with only 27 priests— will celebrate the rebuilding of 50 homes, and one new school, built through those efforts for 50 displaced families. Also, micro credit loans have been made available to help build the economy.
It has been such acts of Catholic generosity and Christian service that imbue Bishop Dumas with hope for the future of his country.
“It’s not only rebuilding houses, it is building community spirit, a new spirit and citizenship,” Bishop Dumas said. “It’s about creating a new link between people, and creating communities, not only giving houses to people.”
“The church believes it is possible to help the people to find new hope, to help Haiti rise again and to participate in the spiritual renewal resurrection of our people. Little by little, we’re trying to do that.”
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Haiti’s best years, he feels, still lie ahead.
“We want our kids, our boys, our girls, to be part of history,” Bishop Dumas said.
“This is our history, to fight for life. I’m sure we will prevail.”
Printed with permission from Rhode Island Catholic, newspaper for the Diocese of Providence.