Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Feast-3December 9th 2013 marked the feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the biggest holidays in Haiti. During this time of national celebration, marking the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, thousands of Haitians traveled to Milot to visit the Basilica, the local church dedicated to The Immaculate Conception of Mary and Haiti’s National shrine.

During the concluding Mass, the many choirs and bands almost brought down the roof of the ancient Basilica; mothers, with babies dangled on their knees, swayed to the sound of the drums and caught the spirit of celebration. Everyone dressed in the customary sky blue and white clothes trimmed with ribbons and flowers.

Feast-4The houses and little streets of Milot sported blue and white paint and even the tree trunks wore a splash of color!

In the face of relentless, suffocating poverty and amidst a landscape of brutal daily challenges, the people of Milot carved out the sacred space to celebrate the gift of life, express gratitude for what they do have, and hold tight to their vision for a better future.

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