Xaverian presence and influence in Haiti escape the notice of many people who live on the island nation. Haiti itself in the world community is often ignored. Quietly the Brothers in Pandiassou, the fourteen young men of the Sant Zaveryen, the school community of Louverture-Cleary, the orphanage family of Jean Louis, the efforts of Brother Cosmas Rubencamp and his colleagues and the Haitian Outreach network, and now the volunteer ministry of Xaverian Volunteer Jonathan Dohanich combine to accomplish much good, advance the mission of Jesus and provide tangible evidence of the truth of the Xaverian motto: “ In harmony small things grow.”

Prayer and action, perseverance and goodness, confront many obstacles, among them: pollution, confusion, malnutrition, deprivation, insecurity, isolation and severe poverty. One young man at the Sant in Port-au-Prince views his life at the Sant, not as a gift, but as a loan that he intends to repay to God and Haiti. He is among the fourteen, striving to earn their college degrees, committed to the gospel and to the rebuilding of Haiti. Another young person in Pandiassou walks nearly ten miles to take advantage of courses offered in hygiene, cattle breeding, biology or forestry (Brother Harry’s course). One little boy has survived malnutrition, gained several pounds and recaptured his liveliness, thanks to the efforts of Jean Louis and his helpers with orphanage challenge. Students at Louverture-Cleary pursue a tight schedule with strict, but fair, discipline that keeps the school running smoothly and achieving enviable results.

All of this effort, a precious but small response in the face of overwhelming need, sprouts urgent calls for human investment and financial support. At this time, sadly, a Brother’s stay in Haiti, is not beginning, but has come to an end. Brother John Mahoney celebrated his 70th birthday before leaving Haiti for Baltimore. Brother Harold Eccles captured the significance very well, “A simple celebration of a life directed generously and unreservedly to God and the people of God. John is a model of loving service, blending patience with exactness. It is with gladness that we celebrate his life and especially his eleven years in Haiti, but there is sadness too as we prepare to say goodbye.” How wonderful it would be if Brother John’s departure becomes a catalyst for others to respond.