Sometimes, it is hard to understand why there is so
much suffering in the world. Every time I watch the news, I learn
about another crisis in a country where my Oblate brothers are
ministering. Violence, disease, and disaster continue to plague
lands that are already wrought with suffering and destitution.
Tragedy is everywhere. It is so overwhelming that we often
feel disheartened and begin to think that it is impossible to change.
Haiti is already known as the poorest country in
the Western Hemisphere and conditions are getting even worse. You
have probably already learned of the extreme violence erupting in
Haiti. There is a deteriorating spiral of destruction in Haiti
which is fed by overpopulation, destitution, and political corruption.
Haiti recently tried to celebrate the 200th
anniversary of its independence, a greatly anticipated and important
milestone. Yet painfully, the opposite has been the case.
Reports of violence, destruction, and now, hunger and starvation
are increasing daily. Many international institutions and relief
agencies have found it necessary to withdraw their representatives from
the country.
Amidst the chaos, my Oblate brothers forge on in
their ministries with the poor. My Oblate brothers have been
serving in Haiti since 1943. Currently, there are more than 100
Oblates working to relieve suffering in the nation plagued with
violence and destruction.
I urge you to keep the people of Haiti in your
prayers. Now, more than ever before, they are in desperate need
of our prayers and support.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.
