Note from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Haiti (Ceh) dated February 8, 2024
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Dear compatriots,
Dear brothers and sisters,
Men and women of good will,
1. In these hours of fear and anguish that we are experiencing, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Haiti (Ceh) turns with confidence and hope to the God of Life to implore his benevolent help in favor of our Motherland in hazard.
2. In the name of God, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Haiti calls on the authorities to immediately put an end to the suffering of the people whose will has been expressed throughout the territory, particularly on February 7, 2024. Blood and blood Tears have flowed enough through the assassinations, kidnappings and rapes perpetrated over the last three (3) years. We have had enough! Shut the blood valve and stop counting the dead!
3. Witnesses to the misery and suffering of our fellow citizens in the ten (10) Departments of the country, we, Bishops of the Ceh, launch a vigorous appeal to the Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry, so that he realizes of the seriousness of the current situation and take a wise decision for the good of the entire Nation which is seriously threatened in its very foundations.
4. We express our closeness and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the latest events.
5. We invite our dear compatriots not to fall into the trap of violence and fratricidal struggles which flout our dignity, disfigure our humanity and dishonor the image of our country. Let us mobilize all our energies, unite and commit ourselves, together, resolutely, without violence, on the road which will lead us to the new Haiti that we all desire!
6. May Our Lady of Perpetual Help watch over the homeland in danger and help us to live better days!
Given at the Headquarters of the Ceh, on February 8 of the Year of Grace 2024.
The signatures of the Catholic Bishops of Haiti follow:
Mgr Max Leroy MÉSIDOR
Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince
President of the Ceh
Mgr Désinord JEAN
Bishop of Hinche
Bursar of the Ceh
Mgr Pierre André DUMAS
Bishop of Anse-à-Veau / Miragoâne
Vice-President of the Ceh
Mgr Joseph Gontrand DÉCOSTE, SJ
Bishop of Jeremiah
Secretary General of the Ceh
Chibly Cardinal LANGLOIS
Bishop of Cayes
Advise
Mgr Marie Érick Glandas TOUSSAINT
Bishop of Jacmel
Mgr Yves Marie PÉAN, CSC
Bishop of Gonaïves
Mgr Launay SATURNÉ
Metropolitan Archbishop of Cap-Haïtien
Mgr Quesnel ALPHONSE, SMM.
Bishop of Fort-Liberté
Mgr Charles Peters BARTHELUS
Bishop of Port-de-Paix
