Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
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Bob Penette
- June 5, 2020
Kobonal Haiti Mission Celebrates Chapel Dedication Mass
For more than 30 years, our longtime ministry partner Father Glenn Meaux has worked tirelessly to bring the hope of Christ to the desperate situation in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. However, alleviating material poverty is just a small part of Fr. Meaux’s Kobonal Haiti Mission — the cornerstone of his ministry is building up the spiritual lives of the poor.
Earlier this year, the Mission celebrated the dedication of a beautiful new chapel, thanks to the generosity of Cross Catholic Outreach donors who funded its construction. This beacon of hope radiates the light of Christ in an area formerly referred to as “the darkest corner of the Diocese of Hinche.”
Villagers and guests filled the new chapel to celebrate its dedication Mass. Bishop Désinord Jean of the Diocese of Hinche presided over the Mass, while Fr. Meaux — no doubt proud of the incredible progress of the Mission — was one of many concelebrants.
Related: Understanding Poverty in Haiti and How You Can Help
See how Fr. Glenn Meaux is building a community of faith in Kobonal!
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An Answered Prayer for Kobonal’s Faithful
Since the Mission opened its gates to the community, countless lives have been transformed. Poverty relief programs such as safe housing and food for destitute families continue to address immediate needs, while assistance provided through self-help programs including microenterprise projects and animal husbandry produce long-term results and promote self-sufficiency.
Fr. Meaux insists that the success of the Mission comes not from his leadership, nor from his incredible, hard-working and passionate staff, but from the power and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since the very beginning, Fr. Meaux has stressed the spiritual objectives of his ministry, eventually taking Kobonal from a place where voodoo was widely practiced to a healthy community where Christ is king. Parishioners are hungry for the Eucharist, while children learn the Bible and Catholic values at the Kobonal School.
The only thing Fr. Meaux felt was missing from the Mission was an adequate parish building for the Catholic faithful to celebrate Mass. Each Sunday, some villagers would crowd into the small outdoor chapel and others would sit outside under the trees due to lack of space, but the dedicated priest had always wanted to offer them something more.
Thanks to the support of our generous friends, Fr. Meaux’s long-held prayer of having a spacious, dignified on-site chapel has been answered!
You Can Make an Eternal Impact on the Lives of the Poor
Meeting a needy family’s material and physical needs — such as a safe place to call home — has value, but it is the spiritual impact of the Mission that truly transforms lives and reshapes communities. And that’s why the chapel means so much to so many — Fr. Meaux and the Kobonal Haiti Mission are not just changing lives, but drawing souls to Jesus Christ.
When you support the work of Cross Catholic Outreach, you empower our ministry partners around the world to serve the poor with the love and hope of Jesus Christ. To help the people of Haiti materially and spiritually, please donate below.
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Images from the Chapel Dedication Mass
