In our sister Diocese of Jacmel, Radio Ephata brings people community, truth, and hope. The word “ephata”, comes from the Aramaic “ephphatha” meaning to “be opened” or “open up”. Ephphata was used by Jesus in Mark chapter 7 when he heals the deaf man. Similarly, Radio Ephata seeks to open its listeners to hear the word of God and brings the light of truth. Located in the Southeastern part of Haiti, Radio Ephata is the diocesan radio station of Jacmel. It was founded on December 19, 1995 by Msgr. Guire Poulard with the aim of promoting evangelization and human development. Faithful to its mission, the station offers its listeners programs of evangelization, catechesis, liturgy, education, culture, leisure, health, environment, and law. It serves as the voice of the Catholic Church, playing a leading role in the pastoral mission of the Bishop of Jacmel in the midst of a crisis ridden and torn society.
For years, Haiti has been plagued by ongoing gang violence, kidnappings, and political turmoil. In March, Haitian officials declared a 72 hour state of emergency following the mass jailbreak of more than 3,800 inmates from two facilities in the capital of Port-au-Prince, bringing Haiti to the forefront of news and media. The escalation of violence has led to a shortage of medical supplies, food, and fuel and has caused hospitals to close. Gangs have blocked off many of the ports and control key roads in and around Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies struggle to deliver aid as transportation and access to the city becomes more difficult and instances of deliveries being taken over by armed gangs increase. “In all the years I’ve been in Haiti, I don’t think it has ever been as bad as it is now”, said Fr. Thomas Hagen, a priest who has worked in Port-au-Prince since 1997.
Nevertheless, priests are vowing to stay in the country and continue to minister, and programs offered by the radio station carry on. In such dark times, Radio Ephata is needed now more than ever. Amidst the chaos and fear raging throughout Haiti, the Church stands as a beacon of light and hope. Radio Ephata facilitates much needed communication, connection, and community in a place where mass instability and insecurity dominate the forefront of society.
“[The radio station] also allows the bishop to reach as many people as possible to talk about his pastoral projects, to console the people of God under the weight of great suffering with his messages of solidarity” said Fr. André Léveillé of the Diocese of Jacmel. Other pastoral agents also utilize the radio for announcements, celebrations of patron saints’ feasts, and other events in the life of their parish. Many in Jacmel view the station as a reliable, trusted source of news and say they would not have a radio if it were not for the vital programs offered by Radio Ephata. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the station played a critical role in raising awareness and providing encouragement. During the lockdown period, they initiated a program called Epha-education, which was aimed at reaching students in their place of residence. Families and teachers attested to the incredible fruits of the program, saying that “with the Epha-education program, the barriers have fallen between urban and rural students.”
At the beginning of its launch in 1995, the radio covered the entire territory of the Diocese of Jacmel. However, due to technical issues and site relocation, that coverage has been reduced, with the station reaching 18 out of 33 parishes in the Diocese of Jacmel. The current equipment is in need of updates and repairs, and further funding is necessary for the revival of Radio Ephata.
In response to this need, the Diocese of Madison donated more than $16,000 in February to the Diocese of Jacmel to help Radio Ephata continue its current ministry and expand to reach an even broader audience. “The grants received from the Diocese of Madison will allow Radio Ephata to continue its mission according to its identity and creed by solving basic problems related to energy and transmission equipment”, said Father André. In his letter, Father André thanked Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and the Jacmel committee, on behalf of the Bishop of Jacmel, for their consideration for the problems of the Haitian people. “Thank you for your support and prayers at this dark time in our lives. Thank you for your patience and diligence”. Let us all remember to keep the people of Haiti in our prayers.
If you would like to learn more about our relationship with the Diocese of Jacmel, visit madisondiocese.org/jacmel.
Sarah Stout serves as chair of the Diocese of Madison Jacmel Advisory Committee.