Viatorians announce "A Call for Solidarity with the Foundation of Haiti"

Dear Viatorians,



I am sure that you, like everyone in the world, have become aware of the terrible human catastrophe that has been produced by the recent earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. Most of the buildings in city and its suburbs have been damaged or destroyed, over 100,000 people have been killed, and there are hundreds of thousands of wounded; clean water, food, and shelter for the survivors are woefully inadequate.



The Viatorians, religious and associates, working in Haiti are, by the grace of God safe and sound. One confrere, Jean-Michelin Cadet, sustained leg injuries in the collapse of the Parish at Grande Goâve, but has been evacuated to the Dominican Republic for treatment. While the Viatorians have been spared, many of their friends and relatives have not. Our prayers are with those who mourn the loss of so many people in this terrible tragedy.



The principal building of the Viatorians in Haiti, the Villa Manrèse, now lies in ruins. The receptionist along with at least four other employees was killed by the collapse of the ground floor of the structure. At least two guests of the Villa lost their lives as well. The community house and the Parish Church at Grande Goâve have also been destroyed. Our houses in the Cazeau neighborhood near the airport were spared damage and are now sheltering our confreres from the destroyed building, although several Viatorians have opted to remain with the people of Grand Goâve and the Villa Manrèse, sleeping out in the open and ministering to them as best they are able. The schools in Gonaïves suffered only minor damage in the earthquake and the confreres there are fine.



Having spoken with the Provincial Superior of Canada, and as coordinator of the International Viatorian Solidarity Commission (Commission International Viatorienne de Solidarité: CIVS) by means of this communiqué, I would like to formally launch an appeal to the Provinces and Foundations of the Viatorian Community for our Haitian Foundation. The money will be used for helping our confreres through this initial period of crisis and for rebuilding the facilities destroyed in the quake in order for us to continue our mission. In addition to direct monetary contributions to Haiti, I would invite the Provincial and Foundational Councils to explore way in which funds could be collected through our various ministries (parishes, schools) to engage the people we serve in coming to the aid of the foundation of Haiti. Because the banking system in Haiti was destroyed along with the other services, any checks should be made to the order of Les Clercs-de-Saint-Viateur du Canadai and sent to Gerard Whissel, c.s.v., Provincial Treasurer at this address:

Les Clercs de Saint-Viateur
450 avenue Querbes
Outremont QC H2V 3W5
CANADA

Please indicate that this money is being sent for the purpose of "Haiti relief."



Many of the Provinces and Foundations have already responded to the needs of our sisters and brothers in Haiti. I am also certain that the whole of the Viatorian Community will generously answer this request for help. I thank you most sincerely.



In St. Viator and the Servant of God Louis Querbes,



Mark R. Francis, CSV
Superior General