Haiti is a land of resilience and faith, where daily struggles of poverty, political unrest and natural disasters are met with extraordinary courage.
In Jacmel, a community shaped by hardship yet alive with hope, Felician Mission: Haiti provides children with learning, families with support and the sick with care. Rooted in compassion and dedicated to human dignity, the mission accompanies the Haitian people on their journey toward justice, peace and a brighter future.
In 2022, worsening violence and instability—even prompting the U.S. Embassy to order all American citizens to leave—forced the Felician Sisters to withdraw temporarily. Yet by empowering local staff and partners, the mission continues to serve with compassion, solidarity and steadfast hope.
And the sisters return!
During this Year of Hope, Sisters Mary Inga Borko, Maria Julitta Kurek and Marilyn Marie Minter have returned to the mission, even with the country still in chaos and without a stable government. Below is their message.
Life in Jacmel has changed dramatically over the past three years. The city has had no electricity, which previously charged the batteries that power the mission’s inverter. Now, the batteries are weak and cannot operate at the same capacity as when the mission began 12 years ago.
When the mission complex was first built, a few hours of city electricity each day powered the buildings and enabled internet access. Today, the sewing school shares an inverter with the volunteer house, as well as an additional inverter that was secured to ensure reliable electricity for the rest of the convent, clinic, activity center and computer lab.
Even without full electricity, the mission continues to serve. Many Haitians come to charge phones or battery packs, otherwise living in darkness. Like everything else, the mission shares what it has—including electricity.
For almost three years, Felician Mission: Haiti has operated virtually, maintaining daily contact with staff, the mobile clinic, computer lab and sewing school. The Haitian people demonstrate remarkable resiliency, always full of hope—a hope that does not disappoint. No matter the circumstances, they move forward with what they have, trusting that more awaits them. The people of Jacmel experience that hope through Felician Mission: Haiti. Longtime supporters witness the difference their presence makes.
During this Year of Hope, Sisters Inga, Julitta and Marilyn have returned to the mission, even with the country still in chaos and without a stable government. It is said, “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.” We hear that call repeatedly as we serve the marginalized and vulnerable in Jacmel.
Mother Angela told her sisters to “serve where you are needed.” The need in Haiti calls the sisters to be a sign of hope, saying, “We have not forgotten you; we believe in you; we are here for you.” Reflecting on the lives of the Haitian people, one cannot help but think of the Hebrew people walking the desert to the Promised Land, seeking dignity and liberty. God revealed Himself then through people, experiences and crises—and He continues to do so in Haiti, choosing us to care and serve where needed.
Whether through prayer, financial support, remote aid, advocacy, or re-entering the country, God is present; God is with us. Despite the crises, Haitians experience hope because of many disciples who believe serving God means serving His people. It is because of you that we can be a beacon of hope—a light in the darkness. Presence brings life, enters relationships and inspires hope—and hope does not disappoint.
We are all missionary disciples in one way or another. Some are physically present to the poorest of the poor. Others sustain the mission through prayer and some through generosity, changing lives in miraculous ways. This is the work of the Felician Sisters, together with their companions and partners. We serve where called with compassion, creativity and courage. We hope you can accompany and support us through your prayers and, when possible, your treasure.
