Seminary looted as security worsens in Haiti
A seminary operated by the Spiritan missionaries in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, was attacked by armed gangsters. Religious and staff had to hide for six hours while the premises were looted, before escaping to safety.
The Minor Seminary of Saint-Martial, run by the Spiritan missionaries in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, was attacked on the evening of April 1st, by armed bandits who climbed over the walls of the building. After overpowering the guards, the criminals either destroyed or stole everything they found. For more than six hours, religious who were present at the seminary, as well as members of the staff, had to hide inside one of the buildings.
In a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the provincial of the Spiritans described the attack in detail. “For over six hours, the bandits continued to plunder, burn, and steal. Finally, the religious and the staff members managed to escape. Some of them took refuge in the formation house, a 30-minute walk from the seminary, and others went into the streets, or in the cathedral, beside the school,” said Father Raynold Joseph.
Fortunately, the priest continued, “there were no physical victims of the attack, but the material damage is considerable. Four cars were burned, others were vandalized; the school’s offices were set ablaze; the principal’s office was looted, and so was the residence of the community and the school itself.” Among the items stolen were the items stolen were IT equipment, refrigerators, mattresses, batteries, solar panels, and a water purification system.
The Spiritan library, which Father Raynold describes as “national heritage,” was left untouched, but the priest fears that the bandits might return to cause more damage. “It is likely that there will be more intrusions in the next hours or days, unless the school is somehow protected. We are devastated and remain very concerned about the worsening state of the country. We appreciate your fraternal support through thoughts and prayers,” the provincial added.
Haiti is going through a very serious crisis, which ACN continues to follow closely. As the country spirals into the chaos of a failed state, armed gangs have largely taken over Port-au-Prince. And though it provides essential social services, the Church has not been spared in the violence. Gangs have attacked Church property and kidnapped religious. On one occasion, a bishop was badly wounded in an explosion, although it is unclear if he was the intended victim, or if he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Pope Francis has also expressed his concern for the country, most recently during his Easter Sunday message, on March 31st, when he called for “international solidarity” with the Caribbean nation.
—Paula Aido
