After several visits and deep discernment, the Redemptorist missionaries of the Mother of Perpetual Help Province (Central America and the Caribbean) have assumed responsibility for the pastoral animation of the new diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lothon, in southwestern Haiti.
The ceremonies took place on June 26, 2024, in a festive and joyful atmosphere. The Eucharist was presided over by Monsignor Joseph Gontrand Décoste, bishop of the diocese of Jérémie. A large number of parishioners and pilgrims went to the sanctuary to accompany this celebration and to show their faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help.
Monsignor Décoste proceeded to the blessing of this sanctuary, recently built thanks to the help of the devotees. There is still much to be done to make it a truly welcoming place for pilgrims, but it is hoped that the necessary improvements will gradually be made.
In his homily, Monsignor Décoste thanked the Redemptorists for having undertaken this new missionary work in his diocese. The Provincial Superior, Father Thierry Raphael, described Lothon as a perfect place for the realization of our Redemptorist mission, similar to Scala during the early days of the Congregation. In any case, by assuming this new Marian sanctuary of Perpetual Help, the Redemptorists respond to the task given to the Redemptorists by Pope Pius IX on 11 December 1865: “To make the icon of Perpetual Help known throughout the world.”
There are currently two brothers who take care of the pastoral care of the sanctuary: the rector, Father Kénol Chery, and the vice-rector, Father Junior Mondelice. We pray for the ministry of these brothers so that they continue to spread devotion and love for our Mother.
As we venerate and invoke the Perpetual Help of Mary in this new diocesan sanctuary, may the Lord grant the world, and in particular Haiti, the priceless gift of peace. May violence and insecurity cease in this country and may peaceful coexistence be inaugurated among all. May new horizons open up so that justice and prosperity may reign.
Father Renold ANTOINE, CSsR.
You can watch the live broadcast of the ceremony on the YouTube channel NATHAN SHOW LIVE (some photos are screenshots).
