Jesuits in Haiti: One Year after the Earthquake

One year after the earthquake in Haiti there are currently about 20 Jesuits who live in the country, and they are working toward and committed to the country’s reconstruction.

According to the Jesuit Curia, during 2010 the main challenge was discerning the most urgent necessities and, among these, determining those that they could intervene in.

The Jesuits established the following priorities in Haiti:

1. To develop basic schools in collaboration with the Fe y Alegría network
2. To sustain refugees (urgent interventions and in defense of human rights)
3. To solicit social formation for the reconstruction of the country
4. To propose a spiritual accompaniment adapted to the circumstances
5. To contribute to the reinforcement of Haitian-Dominican relations

A statement from the Jesuits said that it is too early to evaluate the efforts made in the past 12 months. “Much remains to be done and the path is long. However, the inner strength of the Haitian people in the face of the situation they are experiencing has affected many.” [Agenzia Fides]

For more on the Jesuits in Haiti, listen to the NJN podcast with Jesuit Brother Jim Boynton who is in the country.