"Ora et Labora" - Pray and Work - may be the motto of the Benedictines (who educated me through grade school, through college, and with whom I had the privilege of working as a math professor for 30 years!), but it also describes the lifestyle of the Sisters of St. Antoine of Fondwa, a recently born, indigenous community of religious women here in Fondwa.
The mission of the Sisters of St. Antoine is to bring the "good news" of God's love to the poor through their prayers and their direct service. The community was founded on October 4, 1996 - the feast day dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi - and follows a Franciscan way of life. The inspiration came from two Haitian women - Sr. Carmelle Voltaire and Sr. Simone Achillle - who shared a common vision to work with the poor majority of Haitians living in rural provinces like Fondwa.
The Sisters are responsible for a several of the APF "projects" that PIP supports. Sr. Simone is principal of the St. Antoine School that this year enrolls almost 600 children. Sr. Carmelle directs the APF clinic in Fondwa and is responsible for the hospitality program for visitors and volunteers who come to Fondwa. Both Sr. Carmelle and Sr. Simone are responsible for the Fatima House Orphanage. They have a special fondness for children and a real gift for restoring malnourished children to health.
Two recently "professed" members of the Sisters' community share in the work of the St. Antoine School. Sr. Claudette is director of the school and Sr. Melissia teaches in the primary school.
For the Sisters the day begins with personal and communal prayer at 6 am. Their workday is full - VERY full. Evening brings more prayer accompanied by singing! I'm especially attracted to the singing - in Kreyol and in French - and try to join the Sisters for prayer as often as I can!
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