Welcome to our province ...
June 5, 1864 : the first French Sisters arrived in Haiti. These valiant missionaries founded two communities in the capital; a public boarding school in Sainte Rose de Lima, and a national government school "Mère Louise".
Thanks to their courage, determination and the contribution of other sisters from France and elsewhere, they put themselves at the service of the population in several towns throughout the country and in remote areas. The beginnings were not easy, as they had to cope with numerous revolutions, natural disasters, frequent fires, civil wars and financial crises.
Despite the turbulent times, the mission flourished: several communities were founded, along with numerous schools, domestic centres, dispensaries and pastoral care... all providing valuable services. The Sisters were driven by a burning zeal to make God known and loved.
HAITI
14 communities
67 sisters
founded in 1864
Let's share love and hope with our world ...
The years went by and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny criss-crossed the plains and mountains, sowing the seeds of goodness and bringing the Good News. Quietly, the seed germinated, and Christian families generously let their daughters go off to serve God.
Today, 67 Haitian sisters have replaced the pioneers on this sun-drenched island, some of whom are on mission in other countries.
Four of the congregation's communities have been closed in the capital and the sisters have been moved as we try to continue our work elsewhere.
Today ...
The mission of the Sisters of Cluny in Haiti today:
Evangelisation continues in a difficult and complex context: great political instability, high unemployment, lack of structure. A civil war rages on, impoverishing the country. Port-au-Prince is occupied by armed gangs who destroy everything in their path and spread terror. Many families have abandoned their homes, sometimes in the middle of the night, and fled to other towns or abroad. Insecurity is omnipresent and is spreading to some provincial towns.
The Sisters are dedicated to education, care of the sick and pastoral care - 14 primary schools, 7 secondary schools. We also have the following establishments:
- A teacher training college
- A kindergarten school
- A secretarial school
- Two vocational schools
- A healthcare centre
- A dispensary
- A boarding school on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince whichwelcomes approximately fifty girls all year round
The harvest is plentiful and God is sending out His labourers. He never ceases to stir in the hearts of many young people the desire to give themselves for the Kingdom. Three postulants and six novices are currently in our formation house in Jacmel. Aspirants are taking the time to pray and discern their vocation.
How can we not give thanks to the Lord, who is at the helm. He steers his work like a boat gliding on a sea of oil or keeping its balance, tossed about at times by the breaking waves.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny move forward in deep waters, guided by the star of Hope that shines in the half-light of uncertainty.
God is there and Hope does not disappoint.
Missionary disciples ... to this call from God, we respond with total availability, ready to leave our country to go where God calls us to serve our brothers and sisters.