In almost every story about the Haitian disaster, we are reminded that 80 percent of Haitians are Catholic. Well, today the New York Times ran a powerful story about what that faith means to the people of one Haitian parish in Queens, where so many have lost loved ones and friends in their native land.
Comparing the Haitian people to Job, Linda Freebes, principal of the parish school, said: "Whatever is put in front of them -- they're faith-filled people -- they come out the other side."
As parishioners packed their church this weekend to pray for their country and for loved ones dead or missing, their unwavering faith was apparent, even as some said they did not understand God's plan.
"God is good," one person told the Times. "We have to accept his will."Even amid their sorrow, or maybe especially because of it, parishioners are doing whatever they can to raise money for relief efforts. Students from the parish school paid $3 each to participate in a "dress down" day, trading school uniforms for regular clothes. It was a simple way for the children to feel like they, too, are helping their families, who may be just a short plane ride from New York but must feel like they are a world away right now.
Is your school or parish holding any special events to raise money for the Haitian relief effort? If so, please share in the comment section. To read the full New York Times story, click HERE.
