Haitian Apostolate celebrates Jubilee of Hope (Photos)
On July 12, pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Newark’s Haitian Apostolate traveled to Saint Helen’s Parish in Westfield, New Jersey, to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year. After praying the Holy Rosary together in Creole, the community welcomed Auxiliary Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., the regional bishop for Union County.
He celebrated a Mass that was striking for its joyful spirit and the lively faith of the worshippers.
Concelebrating with Bishop Lorenzo were Father Dieuseul Adain, V.F., coordinator of the Haitian Apostolate and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and Saint Michael Parish in Elizabeth; Father Marc-Arthur Francois, pastor of Saint Patrick and Assumption All Saints Parish in Jersey City; Father Toussaint Occeus from the Archdiocese of Port-Au-Prince; Father Calixte Hilaire from the Archdiocese of Port-Au-Prince; and Father Tim Graff, Secretary of Parish Mission and Vitality and Director of the Social Concerns Office for the Archdiocese of Newark. Deacon Wilbert Alexandre from Holy Rosary Saint Michael Parish assisted at the Mass.
Walking together in communion
In his homily, Father Francois reminded those gathered that being pilgrims of hope means that “we are not by ourselves but walk together.”
“The Spirit of God is with us,” Father Francois said. “Jesus is with us. Our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, is with us. All the Apostles are in church with us. And we are with one another.”
In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, the patriarch Joseph addressed his brothers, who had betrayed him; he forgave them and assured them that he would care for their families. Father Francois said that just as Joseph had reassured his brothers, “our own mercy, our own forgiveness can be hope for the world. It is so amazing to see that every time God is calling us to do something, He is alive in us and inviting us to be partners with Him.”
Later, the community adored the Blessed Sacrament together and prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. They asked the Lord to bless the people of the United States and immigrants who bring their gifts and cultural richness to this country in the hope of receiving welcome.
“I love my Church!”
Pilgrims from various parishes in the archdiocese with Haitian ministries led the Rosary, proclaimed the readings, and read the petitions at Mass. Additionally, a choir from Holy Rosary and Saint Michael Parish filled the church with lively hymns.
Some worshippers were encountering the Haitian Apostolate for the first time. One woman even told Jersey Catholic that she had never attended a Catholic Mass before and that she was amazed by the beauty of the liturgy.
Approximately 55 to 60 percent of Haitians are Catholic, according to studies, but the number who practice their faith is lower. As in other regions of the world, active proselytizing has reduced the number of Haitian Catholics.
Another pilgrim, Mary, said that the celebration was not just a moment of joy for her, but also one of pride in her Catholic faith. “I love my Church!” she exclaimed. “I wouldn’t exchange it for any other. I love it!”
A moment of strengthening and support
After the liturgy, the community gathered in the parish hall for refreshments and fellowship. Some of those present spoke to Jersey Catholic about the many challenges the Haitian community currently faces. In addition to a humanitarian crisis back in Haiti due to social unrest and a series of natural disasters, there are worries about changing attitudes toward immigrants in the US.
“The situation is very tough for the Haitian people right now,” Fr. Aidan said. “This Jubilee celebration is a time for the community to come together. Gathering together, praying together, and eating together really mean something to us. This is a moment for us to strengthen and support each other.”
“Our Haitian people are great people,” Father Aidan added. “If you give them opportunities, they will do great things.”
You can find more photos of the Haitian Apostolate’s Jubilee celebration here.
Featured image: The Haitian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark adores the Blessed Sacrament during its Jubilee celebration. (Photos by Archdiocese of Newark / John Touhey)
