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By Fannie Dionne
In 2026, the Jesuits of Haiti will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the official reestablishment of the Society of Jesus in Haiti. Today, despite political and economic challenges, the Jesuits continue to persevere and lay the foundations for a future full of hope for their mission in Haiti.
There are currently 70 Haitian Jesuits, including eight novices — figures that show the growth of the Society of Jesus in Haiti over the past decades, explains Fr. Stanley Charles, SJ, superior of the Jesuits in Haiti.
“When we look back at these 40 years and see the number of Jesuits today, we can only give thanks to the Lord and express our heartfelt gratitude, especially to our Canadian and Quebecois confreres, to the universal Society, and to all the donors and benefactors of the Society in general.”
And what about the future? According to Fr. Charles, the continued presence of the Society of Jesus in Haiti depends on a paradigm shift. Haitian Jesuits should be supported to strengthen the foundations of their mission and secure sustainable funding to support their works and initiatives.
The Jesuits Alongside the Haitians, From Colony to Republic
The history of the Jesuits in Haiti dates back to the time when the island was a French colony in the 18th century. The Jesuits of that era, such as Fr. Pierre-Louis Boutin, SJ, accompanied Black people reduced to slavery. This closeness aroused the anger of the colonists, leading to the first expulsion of the Jesuits in 1763. “But,” says Fr. Charles, according to anecdotal accounts, “a few Jesuits remained on a personal basis throughout the independence movement. They even celebrated independence with us.”
The second phase of the Society of Jesus’ presence in Haiti began in 1953. Quebecers came to settle there to take charge of the Major Seminary of Port-au-Prince in order to train a clergy of Haitian origin.
They also founded the Manrèse Spirituality Center and established Radio-Manrèse, a tool for popular education and literacy. Their social activism drew the wrath of dictator François Duvalier, who had them arrested before expelling them again in 1964.
A few years later, some Jesuits returned clandestinely to work among their people, such as Fr. Godefroy Midy, SJ. Finally, in 1986, following a request from Haitian Jesuits to the Superior General in Rome, the Society of Jesus was formally reestablished on the island.
Four Decades: A Review
For 40 years, Jesuit activity has thus unfolded in Haiti in various forms. “The first image that comes to mind,” says Fr. Charles, “is that of the intellectual Jesuit.” The Jesuits have indeed left their mark on generations of students at the Major Seminary, in the faculties of the State University of Haiti and, more recently, at the University of Notre Dame of Haiti.
But their work extends far beyond that. The Jesuits provide spiritual guidance, serve as parish priests and support farmers. Br. Mathurin Charlot, SJ, for example, worked with farmers and was involved in Haiti’s reforestation efforts, planting trees that provide shade, fruit and beauty for his fellow countrymen and women.
Even in education — from the Foi et Joie schools (which serve the most vulnerable children) all the way to the university — the Jesuit approach is not simply about transmitting knowledge. “It is a holistic education that truly takes our reality into account,” explains Fr. Charles. “It is about educating young people to love their country and to commit themselves to their country. How? Through the valuable tools of the Spiritual Exercises and discernment.”
Gérald Saint Victor Junior, a young adult, can attest to the impact of Foi et Joie. “In the Canaan region, the community has improved somewhat. The children have a different way of acting in their region, in ‘faith and joy.’
“We learn to respect children as well as adults, to look at our own community, and to share love with one another. We are also taught to be creative so that we can come and help our community.”
In addition to the Jesuits’ regular works, they provide emergency aid in the event of a disaster.
Thus, following the 2010 earthquake, and thanks to international donations, the Jesuits were able to provide direct aid to those affected, offering essential assistance for their survival. “From what I’ve heard,” notes the superior, “the Jesuits’ aid to the victims and those affected by the earthquake has been unparalleled in Haiti.”
Toward the Future
Not only are the Jesuits of Canada and Haiti linked administratively, but also fraternally. Fr. Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada and Haiti, emphasizes that “many of the Jesuits in Haiti spent part of their formation in Canada: They studied in our institutions, prayed in our houses and were welcomed at our table as brothers. Once their formation is complete, they return home, not because it is easy, but because they are called there.”
However, as the provincial and the superior point out, the Haitian Jesuits face concrete difficulties in carrying out their mission and still depend on donations today, until a transition to sustainable management of the Haitian mission can be ensured.
Fr. Charles views the future with optimism. “That we may better fulfill our role and better accompany the Haitian people: that is where my hope lies, and I hope it will bear fruit in the years to come.”
“You Are Not Alone; We Are With You.”
In 2025, at a time when the mission is more demanding than ever, Fr. Burwell issued a clear call for solidarity.
To ensure the long-term stability of the mission in Haiti, an ambitious $10 million campaign is underway to establish a sustainable fund capable for supporting the Jesuits in their service to the most vulnerable.
Your donation enables Haitian Jesuits to continue teaching, accompanying and serving in places where few can remain.
By contributing, you are participating in a mission of hope — faithful to the Gospel, rooted in the Haitian people and carried out together, across borders.
