In Miami, the Haitian diaspora congregates at Notre Dame d'Haiti, seeking solace and strength in their faith amidst escalating crises in their homeland and shifting U.S. immigration policies. During Lenten worship services, where emotions run high, Haitians gather to pray, sing, and hope. Kettelene Fevrier, who arrived in the U.S. under a temporary humanitarian program, shared with ABC News her plea for stability: "First, that I stay here," and "Second, that God will lead me on the right path."
Despite the uncertainty that looms over them, with the Biden-era protections being rolled back and an increase in gang violence in their home country, the community clings to a sense of hope. Sandina Jean, a recent asylum-seeker, articulated to WSVN that even as Haiti deteriorates, the support of the church helps them persevere. “When you pray, when you come to Mass, it helps you to keep moving,” she said.
Rev. Reginald Jean-Mary, who has led Notre Dame d'Haiti since 2004, described the parish as a rallying point for the Haitian community, according to a WSVN interview. As more Haitians arrive in the U.S., seeking sanctuary, Notre Dame d'Haiti evolves into not just a spiritual anchor but also a guide in navigating a new life in America.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, with thousands killed and over one million homeless due to gang warfare. As reported by WSVN, the United Nations noted a record displacement of sixty thousand people in just a single month. This relentless violence has pushed many Haitians to seek refuge in the United States; however, they now face the imminent revocation of the humanitarian parole program that granted them entry and the expiration of the temporary protected status. Jean Suffrant, of the Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, noted to ABC News the gravity of the situation for both Haitians in the U.S. and on the island: “What a heavy burden, being told you’re no longer allowed in a country that welcomed you.”
The community has shown resilience, despite the pervasive worry over their future in the U.S. Enlightenment and encouragement come through services like the revival at Notre Dame d'Haiti, which dramatizes biblical tales of deliverance, reminding the faithful of doors that cannot be shut by human hands. According to ABC News, Savio Magloire, witnessing the Mass, reflected on the necessity of these gatherings: "We all need it at this moment.”
