By Sister Ann Crawley, C.S.J.P.
Built in 1804, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Milot is one of the oldest churches in Haiti.
Designed in classic Basilica style, the distinctive, beautiful dome routinely draws awe-filled appreciation whether viewed from inside the sanctuary or from a distance.
Thousands flock to this church in pilgrimage each December 8th, for the big feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Pilgrims all dressed in blue and white, walk the last couple of miles to the church in procession, praying and chanting hymns. Throngs gather reverently at the Our Lady shrine to touch the statue with photos of their sick and loved ones both living and dead; many with tears running down their cheeks, their devotion and reverence to our Blessed Lady palpable.
The shrine is always beautifully decorated with flowers, candles and blue and white satin ribbons. The Haitian people have tremendous devotion to our Blessed Lady and love praying the rosary using the beads. They come from all parts of the country and from Dominican Republic for this big feast. Many sleep in the open air for the final days of the tridium, praying throughout the night.
In preparation for the festival, the streets are swept and washed and the tree trunks given a skirt of whitewash. All the little houses along the route are beautifully decorated and many sport shrines in the window or doorway.
Without doubt, the people have a special place in the heart of their mother Mary and this gorgeous local sanctuary.
Sister Ann Crawley, C.S.J.P . arrived at HSC in October, 2009. A trained midwife, Sister Ann spends much of time caring for the mothers and children. A native of Ireland, Sister Ann brings hope, joy and constant reminders of God’s ever present love to all she meets.
