Post Card from Oblates in Haiti
(Editor’s note: Oblates have been serving in Haiti for many years. Any crisis that hits our part of the world, or in the case of Covid-19 the entire world, has an even greater effect on the poorest nation in the hemisphere. Oblate Fr. Fred Charpentier sent this letter recently that describes the supreme hardship hitting Haiti and the Oblates who serve there.)
From Fr. Alfred (Fred) Charpentier, O.M.I. Les Cayes, Haiti:
The Oblates in Haiti are following news of the Coronavirus in the U.S.A. closely. Sixteen cases have been detected in Haiti, with no deaths so far in the Les Cayes area.
This year has been the most extra-ordinary of my 49 years of missionary work in Haiti. Only the private chapels with 10 people or less are able to have daily Mass, as is the case here at the “Procure” Mission House. We are going through tough times, and we need help badly. Food prices are double what they are in the States, and there is usually very little left at the end of the month for our own bills. The Oblates are suffering quietly with the people we serve. However, with trust in Divine Providence, our Fraternity home for kids and Foyer St. Stephen, for the elderly poor, remain safe havens.
Please thank all our mission benefactors in the States for their dedication to the Mission and especially for your prayers in this time of great need. Warm greetings to all.