Vehicle for a poor parish
Father Jean Wilner is delighted with his new all-terrain vehicle, made possible thanks to our generous benefactors who donated $39,450. Prior to this, the only way to reach the various settlements in his parish of St. Bernadette Soubirous of La Visite was either on foot or by moped, travelling on extremely poor roads. “The people are thirsting for the Word of God. Thanks to your help, I can now visit them regularly. The presence of the priest is important for evangelization. Often, I am called out, even at night, to visit the sick and dying and administer the Sacrament of the Sick,” Father Wilner writes. In addition to allowing him to visit and comfort the faithful, the vehicle also serves as a sort of ambulance, in which he transports those requiring medical care to the hospital.
His parish—founded in 2018—is one of the youngest in the Diocese of Port-de Paix, and is also one of the poorest and remotest in this already desperately impoverished country. Many people have to walk long distances merely to collect drinking water, and diseases such as cholera are unfortunately widespread.
Nevertheless, his parish, which counts around 8,700 Catholics, is very active. There are four youth groups and an adult parish group. There are many opportunities for deepening one’s faith and all activities are well attended. The number of Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations is happily very high. This new vehicle will make it possible for Father Wilner to further expand this pastoral outreach.
“Please be assured of our gratitude and our fervent prayers,” he writes. And a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have helped!
