From May 26-28, I had the great joy of conducting my pastoral visit to the Mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Delray Beach. I was warmly welcomed by its faithful people and by its remarkable pastor, Rev. Roland Desormeaux, C.S., a Scalabrinian priest who has ministered there continuously for the past 39 years. Rev. Bernard Patrick, C.S., currently serves as parochial vicar. I could not have been more impressed by all that I witnessed and experienced during my visit.
The mission was originally established as a mission of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Delray Beach and entrusted to the pastoral care of Rev. John Skehan, then-pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer. In 1987, Bishop Thomas V. Daily appointed Father Desormeaux as administrator of the mission. Since that time, he has devoted himself tirelessly to accompanying God’s people and building an extraordinarily vibrant community of faith, deeply rooted in the rich spiritual, cultural and devotional traditions of the Haitian people.
It was a profound joy to encounter hundreds of Haitian Catholics who take their faith seriously and who care deeply for one another. The Mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is home to more than 20 ministries and apostolic groups, all actively engaged in prayer, evangelization, service and charitable outreach.
Among these ministries, special recognition must be given to “God’s Seekers,” a flourishing youth ministry presently serving more than 19 young people, two of whom will participate in the upcoming World Youth Day in South Korea. Another noteworthy apostolate is Action Fraternelle (Fraternal Action), which promotes sacred Scripture study, assistance to the homebound and missionary outreach. The Corale Notre Dame, a beautifully trained choir of more than 25 members, greatly enriches the liturgical life of the mission. The community also hosts several regional associations that foster solidarity among Haitians according to their regions of origin. The Men’s Club brings together fathers and other men of the community to support one another and to assist the mission’s many ministries. Likewise, the Magnificat group promotes prayer, fasting, visitation of the sick and assistance to those in need.
This thriving mission community continues to look confidently toward the future. Among its most pressing needs are the construction of a new parish hall, the installation of projection screens within the church and the development of programs aimed at addressing mental health needs within the community.
Most liturgical celebrations at the mission are conducted in Haitian Creole. Participating in these beautiful celebrations was a true blessing. I warmly encourage the faithful of our Diocese to visit this mission church and experience the beauty, vitality and devotion that characterize its worship. It is an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Father Desormeaux for his nearly four decades of devoted and fruitful ministry. Through his faithful leadership, the Mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has become a place where the Catholic faith is lived with joy, conviction and profound devotion.
Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours, priez pour nous!
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Bishop Manuel welcomes comments and reflections from readers: bishopofpalmbeach@diocesepb.org
