The Voice of the suffering in Latin America

.“Church organizations and the authorities must find ways to provide families with access to basic services in their homelands. Often it is situations like these that force them to emigrate to the cities, as they must choose between access to education, health care and food, and remaining connected to their traditions and way of life.v.“Church organizations and the authorities must find ways to provide families with access to basic services in their homelands. Often it is situations like these that ...

“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,."

"I am now starting my sixth year as the archbishop of Port-au-Prince, and it is really very difficult. Until now, I have not been able to achieve even a quarter of what I had intended, because one must cope with daily life – and this daily life consists of suffering, violence, gunfights, poverty, and deprivation."

In their message, the bishops encourage all national agencies and players to find a solution to the current crisis and to restore peace and security for all Haitians. They also ask for the establishment of an inclusive transitional government, capable of ensuring true national harmony.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is the distance between communities. The new diocese covers about 40,000 square miles, an area larger than Austria or Portugal. The reality the bishop describes can require extreme sacrifice.

Tony has been going on this pilgrimage since he was three months old. “There are pictures of me being carried along,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. “I am encouraged by my love for Mary, with the title of Our Lady of Lourdes, and I thank God for allowing me to accompany Our Heavenly Mother on this pilgrimage every year.”