Bishop Zaidan Prays for and Expresses Solidarity with the People of Haiti and Calls for U.S. and International Support
WASHINGTON – March 15, 2024 — Expressing his steadfast solidarity with the people of Haiti suffering amid an intensification of violence and social disorder, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon called for immediate and long-term solutions. As the chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the bishop called for the U.S. government and the international community to address the challenges faced by Haiti:
“As the social, political, and security situation in Haiti continues dangerously to deteriorate, I would like to express my steadfast solidarity with my brother bishops and the people of Haiti. I would like to commend especially the heroic efforts of Haitian and international aid workers, including our own Catholic Relief Services, who are working tirelessly to provide vitally necessary assistance to the people of Haiti.
“Since the tragic 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Haiti has been experiencing an acute intensification of violence—including rampant murders and kidnappings—social disorder, and an unclear path towards the restoration of the rule-of-law. This is an unlivable situation for the people of Haiti, where families are unable to provide basic necessities for their loved ones.
“I commend the United States Government for its recently stated commitment to provide $300 million in support for an emerging plan to address the rampant instability in the country. Beyond the immediate and pressing objectives, I urge our government and the international community actively to continue to seek ways to address the long-term challenges the country is facing.
“As chairman of the Committee, I heartily join our Holy Father Pope Francis in his expression of concern and support for the people of Haiti and who recently invited us to pray for the people of this land through the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Patroness of Haiti that violence cease, and peace and reconciliation in the country be realized with the support of the international community.”
Nationwide Invitation to Prayer for an End to All Abortions on March 26. 2024
https://www.usccb.org/resources/nationwide-invitation-to-prayer.pdf
Virtual Event on March 20
Join the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops virtually on March 20, 2024 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time to reflect on the challenge of polarization and on tools from our Catholic tradition that can help us heal Church and society. Gloria Purvis, renowned Catholic speaker and host of The Gloria Purvis Podcast from America Magazine, will moderate the conversation.
Panelists include: Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, and Rev. Aaron Wessman, G.H.M., author of The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World.
This virtual event is co-sponsored by USCCB, Catholic Charities USA, Glenmary Home Missioners, and the Jesuit Conference.
Register: https://ow.ly/YSaL50QR8UC or watch the livestream: https://ow.ly/wtHj50QR8UE
