SOMASCAN FATHERS OFFERED HELP FOR HAITI ORPHANS

St. Jerome Emiliani, servant of the poor, father of the orphans and needy youth

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TO THE WHOLE CONGREGATION

I write the present letter to thank all the Communities that responded positively to our proposal of intervention for the minors that are orphans and refugees due to the recent natural disaster in Haiti .

As you know, we mobilized our forces immediately after the tragedy, with the proposal of taking some minors to our structures in Central America and Colombia. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement which however was not carried out as planned because our emissaries who visited the affected territories of Haiti did not find it convenient. This our offering of services was to respond to the request of a precise project that was evaluated in collaboration with competent ecclesiastical and civil authorities from whom we had received all the necessary permissions for the transportation of the minors out of their country.

After the trip to Haiti, which was in perfect harmony with the Apostolic Nunzio of that country, the only active and credible authority in coordinating aids, we decided to take our contributions to the territory of Santo Domingo, at the border with Haiti. The chosen area is at about an hour’s drive from Port au Prince under normal circumstances.

In short time, we wish to site a worthwhile structure in this territory where there seems to be more calm and civility. We hope that by Christmas, the first houses of this Somascan project would be ready in order to host some affected minors, victims of the recent natural disaster. Later, we shall construct a primary school and a professional school, with the conviction that by teaching a handiwork as was the tradition of St. Jerome, one may succeed in defeating “misery and hunger” (cf. St. Jerome. 1° Letter and 3° Letter, vs. 18).

The availability of some religious of the Province of Central America and the Province of Andina demonstrated in the recent Consulta of the Congregation has encouraged us to go ahead, certain of their exquisite sensibility which serves as example to the entire Congregation. Am sure that our Lord will bless the efforts of these our confreres by renewing the flow of new vocations in that part of the Congregation where the seeds of St. Jerome where first planted outside the borders of Italia. (cons. 2010)

This can only come to pass if our apostolate will be united with the prayers of all of us before the Blessed Sacrament, carrying the Cross with daily joy.

In the splendour of the light of the Lord who is resurrected for us, may our Congregation re-flower with new prospects for the many minors and youths who await from us, all availability, love and hope

In Domino

Fr. José Antonio Nieto Sepúlveda crs - Vicar General