"He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”
St. Francis de Sales
Haiti
Haiti is a nation defined by its remarkable resilience—a resilience that fuels daily life even in the face of great adversity. Sadly, political unrest and social instability have become part of everyday reality, making it nearly impossible for communities to thrive without significant change. Many religious congregations have withdrawn their ministries as a result, but the Oblates remain. The Oblates stand firm in their commitment to believe, to serve, and to accompany the Haitian people. Every step forward requires deep reflection, careful listening, and difficult decisions as limited resources are stretched to reach those who need it most.
Key Missions
Formation House & Water Purification Project (Port-au-Prince)
Home to 10 young men discerning religious life who partake in both university studies and formation under Oblate guidance.
Water purification plant providing affordable, clean water to local families
Holy Face Community (Port-au-Prince)
A vibrant chapel and pastoral center serving the Caradé neighborhood that provides religious education, catechism, sacramental preparation, and social programs for children.
Parish of St. Francis de Sales (Bacconois, Nippes District)
Serving one of the poorest rural regions, it has a small parish school and food distribution initiatives for the community. Despite limited resources, construction continues to focus on building the church and school facilities.
Challenges
Haiti missions face extreme economic hardship, social instability, and a lack of basic resources. Due to the earthquakes in 2016 and 2021, the work of the Oblates increased, as did poverty. The economy and ministries were expected to recover for the better. However, the recent assassination of the country's president has created an environment of great insecurity and instability. There are currently no minimum guarantees of security, especially in the capital, where even flights cannot reach.
The mission that needs the most assistance at this time is the Parish of St. Francis de Sales in Bacconnois. Since it is located in the countryside, access is difficult, as is the possibility of acquiring materials for day-to-day necessities. The remote location makes work and even minimal support of the Oblates on mission more expensive.
Making a Difference: When a devastating earthquake struck Haiti in 2021, the Oblates helped rebuild homes for displaced families in Bacconois.
Hands Together
Hands Together is a non-profit organization, founded in 1986 by Fr. Tom Hagan, OSFS, since then, it has emerged as a key educational and development organization working in Haiti's largest and poorest slum, Cite Soleil. Hands Together is devoted to educating, inspiring, and encouraging people to understand the importance of responding to the needs of the poor and disadvantaged. Its mission is to build a more compassionate and human world, based on the spiritual belief that we are all members of one, equal, interconnected family under a loving God.
Learn more by visiting their website.
