January 24th ,2010
Descent into hell
Last Sunday, Father Chacha quoted the Apostles Creed in which it says that Jesus “descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead.” He described the nightmare of the Haitian earthquake as being like hell and suggested that the Haitian people are living in between the crucifixion and te resurrection. What gives some comfort and hope is that phrase where Jesus “descended into hell” in that in-between time in order to free people from everlasing death. Jesus is with the people of Haiti during this time of hell.
The mass at 2:30 last Sunday was quite moving. Many could not hold back tears of grief and sadness. It was comforting and uplifting to see members of the parish, along with our priests and deacons, join with our Haitian parishioners in solidarity. At the end of the mass, messages of support and prayer were given by people representing the Italian, Spanish, and English-speaking communities of our parish. We all gathered around Father Wismick and two doctors who left for Haiti this week to offer their support in the relief effort, and we prayed over them that God would strengthen and protect them. Thank you to all who attended that mass.
Please continue to reach out in love and care for the Haitian families in our parish. Many have lost loved ones, family members and friends. Our hearts go out to Sister Bruno and Sister Cecilia who have lost half the members of their religious order, the Daughters of Mary. The Montfort Fathers (Fathers Chacha and Wismick) lost several priests and ten seminarians.
People have asked about Father Cine and are asking about the school we support. Father Cine survived the earthquake. Father Wismick will be seeing him this week and will bring back more specific accounts. Our Lady of Lourdes High School is not in Port au Prince and was not physically affected by the earthquake.
Thank you to everyone who gave in the special collection for Haitian relief this week. So far we have collected $25,274.
There is still time to make a contribution. Checks can be made out to St. Brigid -- note on the check it is for Haitian earthwquake relief.
