On August 27, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and members of the diocesan Haiti Advisory Board participated in a virtual meeting with Bishop Glandas Toussaint from the Diocese of Jacmel in Haiti.
Its primary purpose was to get an update on current conditions and discuss ways in which we might be able to assist them in bringing hope and healing to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Two years ago, the Diocese of Madison established a covenantal relationship with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
The hope is to seek practical ways the two dioceses might be able to support one another in charity, prayer, and solidarity.
Such a relationship serves as a reminder of the global vision and commitment we must foster through prayer and communication, as well as spiritual and financial support.
During the hour-long Zoom call, Bishop Toussaint shared many of the challenges he faces daily shepherding more than 330,000 souls entrusted to his pastoral care.
The bishop explained the sad plight of his people who live in a state of emergency as the government battles violent gangs that have taken control of large parts of the capital — and are attempting to move into other regions.
Inflation is out of control and building materials and other much-needed supplies such as food and medicine are extremely difficult to get.
As an example, Bishop Toussaint shared that gasoline has become so expensive that he cannot use his automobile.
Instead, the bishop travels by donkey to get to his parishes and other pastoral commitments.
Because of this, the vital importance of communication via radio was highlighted.
The financial support that the Diocese of Madison recently sent to replace aging equipment has allowed Radio Ephata to reach nearly every corner of the Diocese of Jacmel, even the most remote areas.
Catechetical programming, Mass, and devotions, as well as religious music, is now broadcast 24/7.
The two midwives that the Diocese of Madison sponsored last Advent have been a tremendous blessing to Centre de Santé Sacré-Coeur (Medical Center of the Sacred Heart) in Thiotte.
By partnering with the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin, these midwives serve expectant mothers and free up the medical personnel at the clinic to concentrate on other medical matters.
The prenatal care offered and the safe delivery of newborns have dramatically improved the lives of many families.
The “Nothing is Impossible with God” fundraising efforts of the Diocese of Madison schoolchildren for the St. Jude Preschool in Jacmel was extremely successful.
Coordinated by the Diocese of Madison Office of Catholic Schools last Lent, several parish grade schools helped raise $34,327.51.
This will be used to pay down the $350,000 loan taken out to build the expansive complex that will be completed this fall.
Bishop Toussaint was so grateful to our diocese for this financial help since it affects 249 young children enrolled by providing quality education, as well as daily nutrition.
Bishop Hying expressed his desire to seek an outside educational grant of $75,000 for the preschool’s construction costs.
It would be great if this happened in the Jubilee Year 2025 so that we can “set the captives free” by helping to ease this oppressive debt.
Bishop Hying shared with Bishop Toussaint and his staff about the Into the Deep strategic initiative and our Go Make Disciples efforts.
He also mentioned our plans for the Cathedral of St. Bernard in Madison and the hope that it will be elevated sometime in late 2025.
Bishop Toussaint then disclosed that his diocese has been without a cathedral since a devastating earthquake in 2010 that damaged their Cathédrale de St Phillippe et St Jacques in Jacmel.
The Zoom call ended with a pledge of continued prayer and material support.
Bishop Hying invited Bishop Toussaint to visit the Diocese of Madison, perhaps when our cathedral is formally blessed.
Until then, we will seek impactful ways to assist our brothers and sisters in Jacmel in the targeted areas of evangelization, health care, and education.
Both dioceses will continue to pray for one another and encourage their school children to find creative ways to connect with one another.
Michael D. Wick is the director of mission for the Diocese of Madison.