Fr Sylvian began by saying how in 32 seconds the history of Haiti was changed. From the very beginning the effects of the earthquake became evident: large numbers of the dead, many youngsters made orphans, most of the houses destroyed, a lack of food and drinking water, total despair and anguish in not finding immediate help. There were also many injured in body and spirit.
He recalled the prompt action of the Congregation. In all the efforts being made and in the visit of the Rector Major, the Salesians in Haiti were able to experience the solidarity of the Salesian world. Thanks to the involvement and the coordination of the Mission Offices it had been possible to deal with the more urgent needs: provision of first aid, accommodating refugees in the centres of Thorland, Pétion-Ville and Cité Soleil, the distribution of food and drinking water. Very important had been the meetings between the Council of the Vice Province and the New Rochelle Mission Office representatives, those from Madrid and from the “Jóvenes y Desarrollo”, those of the Italian Civil Defence Service, with Fr Luk Delf from “COMIDE” and all the other people who had contributed in various ways.
This prompt response to the immediate needs led the Salesians in Haiti to become further involved. Fr Sylvian spoke about some of the things already done and a series of the short-term and longer-term objectives: the continuing, ongoing need for the provision of food, drinking water and tents; the organisation of pastoral and recreational activities in order to overcome the psychological trauma; the strengthening of the Vice Province’s Development Office; a review of the pastoral structures of the houses; the formation of the Salesians and a new mentality as well as the reconstruction of the Province central offices and the study centres of Fleuriot and Thorland.
After Holy Week, which for the people and the Salesians in Haiti will take on great significance, there will be an Assembly for the Vice Province. The meeting will have the task of studying the Restructuring and Reconstruction Plan to which the Rector Major has already given his support, and of putting it into practice with the assistance being provided.
In the evening, speaking to the Salesians of the Generalate community, Fr Sylvian said: “The earthquake destroyed the whole of Port-au-Prince, but it did not destroy our hopes. What we are going through in Haiti is like the passion of Christ which will certainly be completed in the resurrection. As Salesians we are getting ready to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our presence in the country; this is the time for a re-foundation.”
Published 29/03/2010
