The Devotion I saw in Haiti
Pilgrim
Prior to visiting Haiti last February I was certain I knew the
meaning of devotion. As a wife, mother and nurse for 37 years I learned
devotion from family, friends and colleagues. My time in Haiti added another
level to my education on devotion, witnessing the true work of Christ on
earth amidst abject poverty.
Father Tony is a priest who cares for AIDS patients in his clinic while bestowing
the love of devotion of Christ. His demeanor is gentle and humble. He treats
his patients with a kind touch and caring words, holding his hand to his
heart while he speaks. His ‘presence’ embodies the Christ in
the gospels as He heals the sick. He treats them with respect. The expression
on the faces of the patients he touches is equally moving.
Clearly the patients prize beyond words the concern and love he brings to
each.
The numerous patients are squeezed into the small building. Rows of narrow
beds fill the room with barely enough room to squeeze between the beds.
There is no medical equipment. There are no windows; the upper halves of
the walls are open to allow air for some ventilation. Clearly the need is
much greater than the resources to respond. And there is no sign of improvement
from one year to the next. Father Tony has been here for about ten years.
Each day it is a challenge to get the food and help needed to just provide
them a place to spend their last days.
Fr. Tony is doing Christ’s work here on earth, which is, I believe,
the utmost form of devotion. Day in and day out caregivers like Fr. Tony
are challenged to help the people of Haiti believe, survive and learn, regardless
of their own needs and afflictions. There is no pay. There is little visible
progress to provide a sense of achievement or reward. I imagine that the
priests, nuns, nurses, doctors and teachers feel great satisfaction when
they share the word of God, save a life, cure an infection or teach someone
to read. I imagine they have a great deal of contentment and peace from
the work they do.
How do these caregivers continue day in and day out? I believe it is prayer.
They need our prayers. As a Haitian Pilgrim not only is it my privilege
to encourage prayer for all the people of Haiti, but to encourage prayer
for all the courageous and devoted caregivers who nurture them every day.
I feel I saw Jesus in the face of both the caregivers and the patients in
Fr. Tony’s clinic. Please support the people of Haiti in whatever
way you can and pray that with God’s help, these caregivers can continue
their work.
This experience brings to mind the words of Mother Teresa: offer always a
joyful smile to the children, to the poor, to all who are troubled either
in the flesh or in their spirit. Give to them not only your care but also
your heart.