The bishops of Haiti have expressed their profound dismay at the atrocious murder of two religious sisters by members of armed gangs in Mirebalais, a city engulfed in relentless violence. In a statement released recently, the Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH) firmly condemned this killing, describing the act as "cowardly" and emphasizing the deep sorrow it causes, as well as an indignation shared by the entire Christian community.
The religious sisters Evanette Onezaire and Jeanne Voltaire, members of the Hermanitas de Santa Teresa, were killed on Monday, March 31, during simultaneous attacks carried out by the criminal group Vivre Ensemble. This group stormed several sites in the city, including the civil prison, freeing 529 detainees, and the police station, in addition to sowing terror among the population. These tragic events have exacerbated the security crisis that has been shaking the country for several years.
The bishops expressed their pain at the loss of these two souls consecrated to God, recalling that their lives were a living testimony of Christian love in service to the most vulnerable, particularly in the poorest regions of Haiti. "Two sisters, two lives consecrated to the Gospel, cut down in the prime of life by blind violence," they wrote, offering their prayers and support to the victims' families.
The Episcopal Conference also reiterated its support for the relatives of the religious sisters, both spiritually and humanly, highlighting the courage and self-denial of the congregation's members, who have borne witness to Christ in the most difficult places. The Church joins in the grief of the families while comforting them, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in these moments of suffering.
A Call to Action and Accountability from the Authorities
The bishops did not hesitate to denounce the inaction of the authorities in the face of rising violence. Indeed, warnings had been issued for a long time regarding the situation in Mirebalais, but no concrete measures had been taken to secure the region. "This failure of the authorities exposes the country to destructive forces and jeopardizes the future of the nation," they emphasized, insisting on the need for a strong and decisive response to combat the grip of armed gangs.
They also vigorously condemned the violence that disfigures the country, stressing that this crime not only represents an abominable act against the religious sisters but an affront to human dignity and social peace. For years, Haiti has been struggling against institutional collapse, with gangs occupying a large part of the territory, making the daily life of millions of citizens unbearable.
In this context of crisis, the bishops have called for the immediate cessation of violent acts, urging armed groups to respect human life and to end the cycle of terror. In a message bearing hope, the Episcopal Conference cited a well-known Christian proverb:
"If you want peace, prepare for peace," emphasizing that no cause, however noble, justifies resorting to violence or the shedding of blood.