Friday, 1 January 2016 to the Church of Our Lady of Peace, located at 7801 South Jeffery, Chicago, Lesly Condé, the Consul General of Haiti in Chicago delivered his traditional message to the entire Haitian Community.

Message of Consul General Lesly Condé :

"Distinguished members of the Congregation,

Dear compatriots,

Dear Friends,

Dear Friends of Haiti,

Frè m ak sè m yo,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are, once again, gathered in peace and harmony, in the house of God, to welcome a New Year which, we hope, will bring prosperity for us and our loved ones. As always, it is a pleasure to be in your company, and to bring you warm salutations from the Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago.

Thanks to the priceless collaboration of the Haitian Catholic Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Church of Our Lady of Peace, the Chicago Haitian Community gets to start every year in the best of fashions. Once again, I want to express this community’s profound gratitude.

As we 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.

On this twice solemn occasion, we cherish the presence of Reverend Father Rodolphe Arty in our midst. Three days ago, on the 29th of December, Father Arty celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of his dedication to priesthood. On behalf of the Chicago Haitian Community, I wish him continued success in an already fruitful sacerdotal career.

Back home, the start of every year is a time for simple and sincere wishes that strengthen friendships and family ties. In that same spirit, I wish you all a very fruitful year 2016 in peace, love and security.

Today, we are also celebrating our country’s birthday. Haiti is now two hundred and twelve years old. In the town of Gonaïves, on the first day of January 1804, our forefathers shocked the world by proclaiming the existence of the New World’s first black State. They called their country ‘’ Haiti ‘’. In celebrating the 212th anniversary of Haiti’s independence, we must, despite the hurdles and numerous concessions, give praise to the Lord who has allowed this frail and isolated nation to maintain its identity. Above all, we must always honour the memory of our ancestors, and be inspired by their bravery.

In closing, I thank this Church and the Haitian Catholic Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The community appreciates this solidarity. Its gratitude is endless. I also thank you all for being here to welcome the New Year, and celebrate the 212th anniversary of our independence. I wish you all a profusely blessed year.

Thank you Mèsi !

Lesly Condé, Consul Général"

Do not forget to come numerous this Saturday, 9 January 6h00 pm at Levy Center located at 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston, for the large community gathering organized by the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, the Consular Mission and other local organizations.

On the program: various speakers, songs, poems, musical entertainment etc... The traditional pumpkin soup will be served and a memory of our dear Haiti will be distributed to all those present. We take this opportunity to honor the memory of victims of the 2010 earthquake.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16210-haiti-212th-of-the-independence-greetings-from-the-consul-general-of-chicago.html

HL/ HaitiLibre