Port-au-Prince, HAITI – Marie Cadet has a lot to be thankful for in the new year.
Her visits to Notre Dame d’Altagrace” in Delmas, the capital’s only Catholic church left standing after last year’s earthquake, has brought her closer to God.
“Of course my faith has been strengthened over the last year,” she told theGrio’s Jeff Johnson.
And Cadet’s not alone.
Many Haitians in the capital city who survived the earthquake, have filled halls of worship — even when the halls were no longer there.
“The earthquake was terrible,” said Jean Desinord, head of all Catholic media in Haiti. “And…people need that voice of the church, that can help them to, not only keep faith but also stand up and keep living.”
For the last year, Desinord says churches have provided more than just a place to worship.
“The church in Haiti helps the Haitian people, providing tents, foods, medicines,” Desinord said of the social work accomplished from churches over the last year.
Roughly 60 percent of Haiti is Roman Catholic — and the country has relied heavily on religious donations since last year’s earthquake.
While money is still coming in, some church leaders say it will be tough to match the outpouring of financial support receive din 2010.
“The United Methodist Church of the United States, also from Canada and UK – they don’t send plenty, but the amount they did send [it] really made a difference,” he said.
The Methodist Church has a strong support system in the United States – something many believers of voodoo in Haiti do not.
Samba L is a voodoo priest and activist. He says religious division, between the local voodoo community and Christian churches, has prevented partnerships that could help Haitians in need.
Nearly 50 people have reportedly been killed across Haiti because some believe voodoo followers had something to do with the spread of cholera in the countryside.
Accusations Samba says are due to a lack of education.
Rev. Paul condemns the killings and says Christian churches would work with anyone who puts Haitian lives first.
With uncertainty gripping a broken government, church leaders are confident their institutions can take the lead on the rebuilding process.
And for Marie Cadet, she says the new year means her faith will be tested again.
“I’m asking for hope for my country” Cadet said.
Something most Haitians know will be difficult until the island nation is rebuilt and restored.
