HAITI (ACN News): Direct help for the earthquake victims is the priority goal of the Church.
This was the message from the new Arch-bishop of Port-au-Prince, Guire Poulard, to staff of the International Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Following the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010, hundreds of thousands of people are still living in tents and other makeshift shelters of wood and plastic sheeting. “Many families have been torn apart, and have lost near and dear ones”, said 69-year-old Archbishop Poulard, whose predecessor, Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, lost his life in the earthquake.
Archbishop Poulard, who was warmly welcomed by the people of Port-au-Prince, has been just three months in office.
He said the Church was endeavouring above all to reunite families and reorganise parish life in those parishes that were severely damaged by the catastrophe.
Archbishop Poulard said it was the women of Port-au-Prince who carried a particularly heavy burden, often having to act as mother, teacher and breadwinner for the family all at the same time.
“The family, the community, carries the people. This brings new hope to many, despite all the difficulties,” he said.
Also of considerable importance, in that they promote a sense of community, are the highly popular church choirs in Haiti. The archbishop praised the tireless work that has been done by Catholic charitable organisations over the past few months for the Haitian people, but at the same time he warned of the need to speed up the rebuilding of the capital and of the country.
“The people expect the state to keep its promises. But this is also true of us, the Church”, he said.
Archbishop Poulard expressed his gratitude for the help given by ACN, which has brought new courage to so many.
The charity is supporting the training of Haiti’s seminarians, who are currently living in makeshift accommodation, and has also provided funds for the purchase of land for a future new seminary.
It also helps provide necessary ongoing formation for women religious engaged in the pastoral and charitable service of the people.
