Father Jean Jadotte, associate pastor of Notre Dame D'Haiti parish in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, said of the January 12 devastation in Haiti, "When my parishioners heard the news they were heartbroken. Many were in tears at Mass on Wednesday morning. We are in mourning, as many parishioners of our predominantly Haitian church have lost 3 and 4 family members. I lost one family member.
"Our wounds are so fresh from 2008. Just when we thought things were getting better, this happens. There is a lot of panic, pain and suffering. Not being able to get in touch with loved ones makes it worse.
"We are praying for hope despite this situation. Even as we face darkness, we pray that people may see a pinpoint of light."
Estimates of the number of dead and injured vary, as the US military and international aid agencies seek to make assessments of the situation. The Haitian government has calculated that the number of dead may rise to as many as 500,000 throughout the tiny and impoverished island nation. Roads have become impassable due to rubble and the international airport is yet to become fully operational. Catholic Relief Services is trying to bring supplies and personnel from the Dominican Republic, the neighboring country on the island of Hispaniola.
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