A prayer for Haiti

Though the news headlines are now full of other topics, the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti continue around the clock. Our Redemptorist confreres in Port au Prince remain with their parishioners, bringing what comfort and healing they can in the midst of very difficult circumstances.

We are very grateful to those who have offered their support to our communities in Haiti. The gifts we receive will directly benefit the needs of the people we serve.

But there are other ways to support our suffering brothers and sisters. Perhaps the most valuable gift we can give is prayer. We invite you to join us in praying the following prayer for the people of Haiti and for the Redemptorists who are serving the poor and most abandoned.

Creator God, the earth groans and shakes, breaks hearts in its wake, and amid cries of pain and suffering, you weep with us, gathering us as one, into communion with each other. Quake our hearts so we may be bearers of mercy and hope in all parts of the world.

We pray especially for the people of Haiti. In thousands of ways each day, you remind us of your presence — in the joy of a life saved, in the constancy of faith among the suffering, in the ways people who have less than little share with each other. And our hearts joy at the goodness to be found even in places of decay and desolation. In our prayers and in our own efforts to help our sisters and brothers in Haiti, may we find the hope you have for us, to live as people who give, to live as people who proclaim the reality of the redeeming love of  Jesus Christ. Assist the Redemptorists who are in Haiti working to bring about this love.  May your Holy Spirit  renew in us a zeal for bringing about peace and justice, and for being people of hope and service.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, patroness of Haiti, pray for us!