Thursday, as part of the 211th anniversary of our National Independence and the Ancestors Day (January 2) the Haitian Catholic Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrated a solemn Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Peace, located at 7801 South Jeffery, Chicago. In this circumstance, Lesly Condé, the Consul General of Haiti in Chicago delivered a message to the community.

"Distinguished members of the Congregation,

Dear Friends,

Dear compatriots,

Frè m ak sè m yo,

I am delighted to be with you once more in the house of God to welcome a brand new year and, at the same time, to celebrate the two hundred and eleventh (211th) anniversary of Haiti's Independence. I bring you the warm greetings and very good wishes of the Consulate General of Haiti and its staff.

On behalf of the Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago and the Haitian community, I must, first of all, express my deep gratitude to the Archdiocese of Chicago and this church. Their collaboration has provided my brothers and sisters with a friendly meeting ground and a reliable ally.

At this time, as we do at the beginning of every year, let us humbly thank the Lord for accompanying and protecting us in 2014. God also protected our nation. For that, we are deeply thankful to Him. However, let us ask Him to enable us to unite beyond our various differences on behalf of the future generations.

I know that many of you did not quite reach the goals set for the year 2014. This year, just focus on the goal and keep working hard. There is always a reward at the end of the road.

As we celebrate the two hundred and eleventh anniversary of our Independence and thank the Lord for all the favours He granted us, we cannot help thinking about the terrible tragedy that befell our country on the twelfth day of January 2010. Let us keep a special place in our thoughts and prayers for our brothers and sisters who are still struggling to make sense of their lives. Do not hesitate to make a gesture of solidarity under the right conditions and within your means.

May god bless ! Ke bon dye beni nou !

Lesly Condé

Consul Général"

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12846-haiti-chicago-diaspora-activities-of-the-211th-anniversary-of-independence.html

HL/ HaitiLibre