Faith leaders and Haitian New Yorkers came together Monday night in prayer amid the ongoing violence in Haiti.


What You Need To Know

  • Bishop Robert Brennan, along with Haitian priests of the Brooklyn Diocese, offered prayers for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Haiti

  • On Feb. 29, gangs began burning police stations, shut down the main international airport and stormed two prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates

  • According to city data, more than 90,000 Haitian-Americans live in Brooklyn, the majority of whom live in Flatbush and East Flatbush

“I have my son in Haiti, I have my future wife in Haiti. So, I want the country to get back to normal,” said Jeff Carl-Henry Maisonneuve, who attended a Mass for Peace in Haiti in Flatbush.

He said he’s fearful for the safety of his 1-year-old son.

“I can’t go back to see my son because there are a lot of problems. The food [is] so expensive, children can’t go to school, kidnapping,” said Maisonneuve.

Bishop Robert Brennan, along with Haitian priests of the Brooklyn Diocese, offered prayers for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Haiti, standing in solidarity with those concerned for their loved ones.

“I got family there. Talking to them is not even a relief. You know they’re here, but you know they’re not living,” said Marie Jean-Baptiste, who has family in Haiti.

Haiti has seen a surge in violent gang attacks in recent weeks, leading to the displacement of an estimated 15,000 people. On Feb. 29, gangs began burning police stations, shut down the main international airport and stormed two prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

“Right now, we are desperate. We try everything but nothing work yet,” said Jean-Baptiste.

The violence forced Prime Minister Ariel Henri to announce he would resign once a transitional presidential council was created.

According to the United Nations, about 1.4-million Haitians are on the verge of famine and more than 4 million require food aid.

“Haiti is in critical condition but when Haiti suffer, we suffer here,” said longtime parishioner Marie Ange-Pierre.

According to city data, more than 90,000 Haitian-Americans live in Brooklyn, the majority of whom live in Flatbush and East Flatbush.

Bishop Brennan said he could think of no better place to hold Monday’s mass than the Holy Innocents Church.

“Just about everyone here has a personal connection with people back in Haiti. People here are connected with their families and they’re worried about their families,” said Bishop Robert Brennan. “So we wanted to be in solidarity with that experience as well.”

Haitian-Americans in the city said their faith is being tested, but they continue to find strength in God.

“Let’s keep praying,” said Jean-Baptiste. “That’s all we can do for now.”