By Dave Jolivet, Editor
FALL RIVER, Mass. — One can’t escape the terrible images emanating from the tiny island country of Haiti — images of total destruction; homeless and hungry inhabitants; orphaned children; traumatically injured men, women and children; and fatalities above and beneath the rubble. The horrendous 7.0 earthquake that struck the Port-au-Prince region on January 12 sent shock waves not only across the island community, but across the world as well.
In response to the dire circumstances facing the Haitian people in the days, weeks, months and years to come, the Diocese of Fall River quickly organized a special collection at all Masses at all diocesan churches January 23-24 and 30-31.
Following the initial weekend collection, many diocesan priests told The Anchor the response from the faithful has been “outstanding.”
Father Thomas E. Costa Jr., a parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk said, “We collected an amazing $15,000, which equals what we usually collect at weekend Masses. Everyone wants to help, the response was overwhelming.”
“People have seen so many disturbing images from Haiti, and they see a lot of sadness. They know they can’t go there and help, but they can support the Haitians financially. And even more importantly, our prayers are very important to helping the victims. We can connect with them spiritually through prayer, which shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be the first resort.”
Father Costa said that in spite of the horrible images coming from Haiti, God will have good come from this. “We’re seeing how God is present through all this. In the healing, the mercy, the charity and the love. It’s not just the Catholic Church in Haiti, or the Church in the U.S. that’s affected. We’re all one Church, there for each other.”
At Holy Name Parish in Fall River, pastor, Father George E. Harrison told The Anchor he was very pleased with the response. “The people have responded in an extraordinary fashion this weekend, contributing more than $12,500. We have good stewards here, who realize what gifts they have been given by God, and they know it’s right to give back. We’re the Mystical Body of Christ, and when one hurts, we all hurt.”
Father Harrison mentioned he was in Haiti in 1996 and saw first-hand the poverty. “I got a good feel for it then, and now it’s so much worse. God will bring good from all this.”
Thirty miles off the Cape Cod coast, on the tiny island of Nantucket, the parishioners of St. Mary/Our Lady of the Isle have generously come to the aid of the islanders on Haiti. Pastor, Father Paul E. Canuel said that despite the shrunken winter population, his parishioners have responded “exceptionally well,” noting the collection brought in more than $7,000. “People gave from the heart and the amount for such a small winter congregation was very pleasing. Our Spanish community, many of whom have little themselves, donated more than $2,000. And I’m sure they gave from what they had, not from a surplus. They can relate more to the Haitian people living without food or homes.”
The parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield amassed $21,000 on the first weekend collection. “I am edified and astounded with the response,” Father William M. Sylvia told The Anchor. “People saw the survival stories and the horror stories and truly wanted to help,” added the parochial vicar. “With such a large immigrant community and culture in the area, Haiti seems close to home to many of us. The collection was very well received and the people were very generous. We also provided folks a link with Catholic Relief Services on our parish website for those who want to do more.”
Msgr. John J. Oliveira, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford told The Anchor, “Even before the collection, people were asking what they could do to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The response was excellent the first week. Witnessing what the Haitian people were facing, the parishioners sacrificed from what they had to help. In fact, I told people that if they couldn’t afford to give that they could forget the parish collection for one week and give to the Haitian collection. Their need was greater than ours.”
Msgr. Oliveira also expressed gratitude that the diocese responded so quickly to the disaster. “The images are still very clear in people’s minds, and giving them the chance to donate to Catholic Relief Services gives them an option to donate to a reputable organization.”
The parishioners at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth collected $22,000 the first week. “People really were concerned and responded well,” said pastor, Father George E. Bellenoit.
“Principal Linda Mattson at Holy Trinity School in West Harwich worked with the Cluny Sisters, who have missions in Haiti, and the students have rallied to raise funds for them as well,” he added.
Donations can be sent directly to the Fall River Diocese at P.O. Box 2577, Fall River, Mass. 02722. Mark “Haitian Relief” in the memo section of the check. People can also donate at crs.org.