Call to Prayer for the People and the Church of Haiti
The Eve of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
14 August 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This morning we learnt that a major earthquake has hit Haiti. As of the writing of this notice, officials have reported that there are over 300 fatalities, but the death toll is expected to be much higher. One student at Saint Paul’s Episcopal School is among the dead. I have been informed that the church and school of Saint Sauveur in Les Cayes, the church in Maniche, and the schools in Petit Trou de Nippes and Torbeck are severely damaged. As are, of course, homes, businesses, and the churches and schools of other denominations.
This devastating earthquake comes at a terrible time for the people of Haiti. So much of the country has not recovered from the earthquake of 2010. COVID remains a major threat to the health of the population, and the political crisis since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse continues.
Please keep the people of Haiti, their families, the injured, the dead, and the first responders in your prayers as this situation unfolds. Remember especially those who are waiting for news of loved ones still unaccounted for, and for those who may be anxiously awaiting rescue. Please also pray for the Church in Haiti and its leaders, who must be effective ministers of the Gospel in the midst of this situation.
With every blessing,
+Peter Eaton
