A Visitor from Haiti

Father Joseph Philippe is a Haitian priest who will be visiting the Capital District next week. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the rural region where a peasant organization that he started in 1988 had achieved a remarkable record of achievements. Everything but their spirits was destroyed that day, but they are determined to rebuild.

Father Joseph founded FONKOZE, Haiti’s largest microcredit organization that has improved the lives of thousands of Haitians, mostly women and children; and the University of Fondwa, Haiti’s only rural university, although 60 % of the people are peasant farmers.

If you want to be inspired after the scenes of devastation that have inundated us for the past 16 days, please come to any of the following opportunities to hear Fr. Joseph speak. Please tell others about these events and encourage them to come, too.

Schedule for Father Joseph Philippe
February 2 – 8, 2010

Tuesday, Feb. 2

6:00 pm -- Potluck Supper at the Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany
7:00 pm -- Presentation on Haiti

Wednesday, Feb. 3

12:30-1:30 pm -- Teach-in on Haiti at Bush Memorial of Russell Sage College, Troy
4:00 pm -- Teach-in on Haiti at Recital Hall of Performing Arts Center, University at Albany

Thursday, Feb. 4

9:30-10:30am -- Presentation at Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary of the College of Saint Rose
11:00 am - noon -- Presentation at Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary of the College of Saint Rose
4-5:30 pm -- Teach-in on Haiti at Siena College, Loudonville

Friday, Feb. 5

1:30-3pm -- Presentation at fair (fundraiser) by Skidmore’s student clubs

Saturday, Feb. 6

4 pm -- Liturgy at St. Clement’s Church, Saratoga Springs

Sunday, Feb. 7

8, 9:30,11:15am -- Liturgies at St. Clement’s, Saratoga Springs
Interviews by youths of the parish between liturgies
5:30 pm -- Liturgy with University Heights students (Medical College, School of Pharmacy, Law School)
6:30 pm -- Liturgy at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Albany, with College of Saint Rose students