Diocesan Haitian Apostolate holds special Mass reconsecrating Haiti to St. Mary
SUNSET PARK — THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S HAITIAN APOSTOLATE sponsored a Mass last week to honor the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who is also the Patroness of Haiti. Diocesan Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated the Mass at a namesake church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, at 5th Avenue and 59th St. in Sunset Park.
The Mass intention (the dedicated focus) was the reconsecration of Haiti to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Haitian community gathered to give thanks to God for the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, asking her to help save their nation, which has been torn apart by gang violence, as she did in 1882. During that year, an outbreak of smallpox and cholera triggered deaths in Haitian families, especially in the Port Au Prince area. After the people took part in a procession with the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the sickness is said to have disappeared within three days.
Bishop Brennan said during the Mass, “I share a strong devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who has been a great help and inspiration to me.”
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