The Holy See and the Representation of Haiti to the Vatican celebrated, on Friday, June 27, 2025, the 165th anniversary of the Concordat between the Republic of Haiti and the Holy See. This commemoration, which coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Patroness of Haiti, was marked by the unveiling of an effigy of the Virgin in the Vatican gardens. The ceremony, followed by a reception and a mass, brought together diplomats, religious leaders, and Haitian faithful.
The Vatican Gardens, Bastione di Maestro, were the scene of the official installation of the effigy of the Patroness of Haiti by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Reverend Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City, Monsignor Wismick Jean-Charles, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, and Madame Marie Guerlyne Janvier, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Haiti to the Holy See.
"This event represents a profound recognition of the Haitian people's devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, underscoring the unbreakable spiritual ties between the Holy See and the Republic of Haiti," reads a joint statement from the Holy See and the Haitian diplomatic mission.
In turn, Mrs. Marie Guerlyne Janvier, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Haiti to the Holy See, Reverend Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City, Monsignor Wismick Jean-Charles, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Reverend Father Hans Alexandre, and Haitian Ambassador to Italy, Gandy Thomas, each spoke, highlighting an aspect of the ceremony and emphasizing an important point. In his speech, Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that this ceremony was not "merely a symbolic gesture," but "the affirmation of a faith that unites the children of Haiti, sustains generations, and manifests the unwavering devotion of the Haitian people to their heavenly Mother, to whom they were solemnly consecrated on December 8, 1942."
"The Mother of God walks among her people, moved by delicate tenderness, taking upon herself their anxieties and vicissitudes," declared the representative of the Holy See, quoting Pope Francis. "In every corner of Haiti, Mary walked with her people. She wept with them and sustained them in hope," he continued.
"The presence of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Vatican gardens can be a constant call to unity in prayer for all the sons and daughters of Haiti tried by the scourges of violence." "We place under his tender gaze the mission of the pilgrim Church in Haiti, as well as the needs of all Haitians," affirmed Cardinal Parolin, who, following in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIII, prayed for peace in hearts. He also invoked the Spirit of Christ to inspire the government with "the courage to make gestures of understanding and dialogue, capable of restoring hope to the beloved people of Haiti."
The commemoration of the 165th anniversary of the Concordat between the Holy See and the Haitian government was an opportunity to celebrate "the long journey traveled together," marked by "cooperation, mutual recognition, and the constant pursuit of the common good of the Haitian people, in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect." This anniversary also coincided with the Jubilee of Hope, celebrated every 25 years, and provided an ideal opportunity for the Vatican to renew its commitment to the Haitian people.
During the installation, the effigy was blessed by Monsignor Wismick Jean-Charles, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, and Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. The ceremony was followed by a commemorative Mass celebrated in the Choir Chapel of St. Peter's Basilica. The Mass, presided over by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Science, was also attended by Monsignor Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City. This Eucharistic celebration was followed by the official presentation of the commemorative postmark. The day before, Thursday, June 26, a conference on "The History of Relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Haiti since the Signing of the Concordat" was led by Reverend Father Hans Alexandre and Professor Antonello Blasi.
To conclude this series of activities, a pilgrimage called "Pilgrimage of Hope for Haiti" is planned for the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, with a visit through the Holy Door. The pilgrimage will be led by Monsignor Wismick Jean-Charles, Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo, and Reverend Father Hans Alexandre. Pilgrims from Haiti, the Haitian diaspora, and friends of Haiti are expected to attend.
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