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Benin information

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 6, I made a special trip from Baltimore to Washington, DC to attend the 4:30 Haitian mass at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart commemorating the Bicentennial of the death of Toussaint Louverture.

Father André Pierre, the pastor of the Haitian Community, concelebrated with Fr. Laurent Manès from Benin, and Fr. Marcellin from the Ivory Coast whose participation provided a symbolism of our links to our African roots. After introductory words on Toussaint Louverture and on his accomplishments, he thanked all those who have come and acknowledged the support of the diplomatic delegations of Haiti and of Benin and of the representatives of the Toussaint Louverture Historical Society and of the Haitian Institute. The participation of Benin, the former Dahomey known as the birthplace of Toussaint Louverture’s ancestors and of a large number of Haiti’s enslaved people was particularly significant and the delegation received a warm applause.

In his homily, Father André developed the theme from the day’s gospel that a seed must die in order to bear fruits and noted that it was the same image that Toussaint conveyed in his famous words: “By overthrowing me, you only cut the trunk of the Tree of Freedom of Black people. It will grow back by its roots that are deep and numerous.” He had special words for the young people, telling them to be proud of Toussaint and to remember the message of their ancestors in their daily lives that “L’union fait la force,” “Unity is strength.”

At the offertory, I was touched to see the Haitian flag, carried by two young women being part of the gifts and placed on the altar. The Sacred Heart Haitian chorus, the songs and prayers in French and Creole and the drum accompaniment added to the Haitian cachet.

The mass was followed by a reception in the Gavan Center, in the basement of the church. Father André greeted the assembly in English, French, Creole and Fon, one of the languages of Benin. He then invited the special guests to say a few words.

Mr. Harry Léo, Haiti’s Chargé d’affaires in Washington told of Toussaint’s accomplishments and their importance not only for Haitians but also for the entire world. Then, Mr. Raymond Valcin, Haiti’s Ambassador to OAS, expressed his belief that instead of celebrating Toussaint Louverture, Haitians should imitate his self-sacrifice and adopt his vision. He stated that one aspect of that vision, a focus on education, was part of the politic of the present Haitian government.

Mr. Cyrille Oguin, the ambassador from Benin was next. He told of his happiness at having been invited and at having come with his wife, their family and members of his cabinet; of his admiration for Toussaint Louverture and of the pride this great man inspired in Benin where many schools are named after him. He also mentioned that his government and the people of Benin had developed close ties with the government and the people of Haiti.

Finally, as it was getting late, Dr. Paultre Desrosiers gave a shortened presentation that touched on the culture of Bénin’s kings, the journey of Gaou Ginou, the “King of the Aradas” who, tradition say, was Toussaint’s grandfather, from Bénin to Saint-Domingue and the history of the Bréda plantation, near Cap-Haitian, where it is said, Toussaint was born on May 20, 1743. Afterwards, the participants were treated to a delicious Haitian buffet-dinner and a folkloric dance show.

On my way back home, I felt privileged to have been part of that special commemoration. I told myself that, in these days when we are bombarded on all fronts with images of war and when many seem to have lost interest in Haiti or are saying that “there is nothing to celebrate,” it is fitting to remember that, in the moment when he should have been the most discouraged and when he would have had every reason to believe that he had failed in his vision and in his goals, Toussaint still continued to express hope, not for himself but for his countrymen. That hope was a reflection of his pride and self-confidence and, most importantly, of his faith that future generations would realize his vision. Toussaint had faith in us. Let’s honor him. Let’s have faith in ourselves. Let’s fight our apathy, push away our thoughts of doom, and let’s celebrate 2004 as our new beginning.

© EchodHaiti.com, Marlène Rigaud Apollon, April 9, 2003