Columbus St. Josephine Bakhita parish offered an evening of prayer on Thursday, July 16, for Haitian migrants in the diocese. The evening was a sign of Christian unity and opportunity to intercede for Haitian families facing challenges.
Held on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Josephine Bakhita began the evening with Holy Mass at 5 p.m. followed by praying the rosary and benediction.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is patroness of seafarers. Many Haitians have crossed the sea, traveling north to seek refuge in the United States.
“We are supporting the Haitian migrant community at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish & School because we know that, whenever any of us are faced with a dilemma, the two things that can get us through it are God and people who care. We are trying to do that,” said Father Anthony Davis, pastor at the parish, which is home to many ethnic communities in the diocese.
The evening of prayer comes ahead of a July 24th-deadline when Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants is set to expire. It could result in hundreds of thousands of Haitians unable to live and work legally in the United States.
Taisha Francois, 21, a Haitian living in the diocese, migrated about three years ago with her parents. She is currently serving as an administrative assistant at St. Josephine Bakhita and taking classes online.
“People coming together to pray for the community is really meaningful for me,” she said. “I’m so grateful that people take the time to come here and pray for us, to think about us.
“They don’t really know us personally. They just know our conditions, the reason why we decided to leave our country, as it’s not a really easy decision to make.”
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Francois’ family left their home in Haiti due to its dangerous state and settled in Columbus.
TPS allows nationals of countries experiencing war, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the United States. Haiti has held a TPS designation since 2010.
The country was deemed too dangerous for natives to return safely. The U.S. Department of State lists Haiti under a Level 4 travel advisory – the highest designation – warning of kidnappings, armed violence and civil unrest.
In recent years, the country has experienced economic crises, corruption and natural disasters. According to International Crisis Group, Haiti has approximately 90 distinct armed gangs, which control much of Port-au-Prince, its capital. Gang presence has fueled violence and disrupted aid.
U.S. Bishops have urged Congress to create a path to permanent legal status for people living in the United States for years under TPS. They voiced that ending protection could endanger lives and destabilize families and communities.
In the Columbus diocese, the Office of Multicultural Ministry has maintained contact with the Haitian community and accompanied its members.
The office has worked to provide liturgical celebrations and offer support. A Haitian priest serves as chaplain to the community.
Father Tesfaye Petros Botachew, director of the Office of Multicultural Ministry, met with leaders of the Haitian Catholic community to address their concerns and offer support.
“The Haitian community is one of the vibrant ethnic communities in the Diocese of Columbus,” he said. “Most members of the community came to the United States from Haiti bringing with them a deep Catholic faith, rich cultural traditions and a strong commitment to family and parish life.
“From the very beginning, the Diocese of Columbus has welcomed them with open arms and continues to accompany them pastorally.”
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Francois is uncertain of her family’s future. They are waiting while unsure whether they will need to return to Haiti.
She said the uncertainty brings fear. Praying makes a difference.
“With the activities like this evening, the prayers, you feel the support, that you can get the strength to say, ‘Okay, let’s stay positive about it. Let’s try to pray in it and try to be strong,'” she said.
“That’s why I think the prayers are the the biggest help for the situation. After that, I don’t really see what more people can do for us.”
An estimated 350,000 Haitians are under TPS. Approximately 30,000 live in Columbus.
Father Petros said the diocese continues to pray for the Haitian community and all immigrants facing hardship.
“We remain hopeful that positive solutions will emerge and that families will be able to live in peace and security,” he said. “Above all, we place our trust in God’s providence, knowing that He never abandons His children.”