Church of the Incarnation

The story of the Terre Cassee clinic near Pandiassou is a story of the recognition of a need, of generous and involved dedication to a goal, and an example of how diverse groups of people bound in Christian love can work together to benefit those in want.

Parishioners, both medical and non-­medical, on our parish's first visit to Pandiassou in April 1995, recognized the dire need for health care in the area. Brother Armand and his fellow countrymen were also keenly aware of the need.

We were gladdened when we saw other parishes and groups in the United States, and even in other nations, generously lending their assistance, too, as the people of the area worked hard to alleviate the very basic deprivations in their lives.

But our interest in health care for the area endured, and the idea for a clinic grew quickly. Thoughts and conversations and plans for it continued, while the other needs such as butchery were being addressed. Meanwhile, Father Bill LaFratta and all of us threw ourselves into supporting all that the Sisters and Brothers of the Incarnation were trying to do in their area. Our parish proudly and generously supported ambitious projects in education, in childcare and nutrition, and in many other efforts.

Finally, with some more basic needs having been met or a start made in meeting them, Brother Armand and his fellow workers could focus their attention on efforts to improve health care in the area. The clinic project began in earnest.

Members of our parish contributed al­most all of the funds for its construction. Matt Holcomb de­signed the building, with professional and experienced input from the medical per­sonnel of our parish who have been so actively involved in the project since it was nothing more than an idea. Brother Armand and his associates contributed the essential Haitian perspectives and organization to the joint effort. Matt Holcomb and Bob Niehaus oversaw the start of construction in February 1998. Haitians did all of the actual construction work.

As the clinic progressed toward reality, other parishes also were able to contribute some aid: St. Joseph, Clifton Forge; Immaculate Conception Chapel, Naval Air Station, Norfolk; and Bon Secours Richmond Health Care System.

On December 5, 1999, the dedication ceremony at last took place. It was a very moving and very satisfying occasion for all of the people who had worked so hard to make it happen - Haitians and Americans both.

Father Bill was there. Drs. Kurt Elward, Doug Willson and Andy MacFarland from our parish were there. Dr. Rose Chioni from our parish was there, as was Ray Escoffier. Bro. Cosmas Rubencamp from the diocesan Haitian Ministries office was there. Our friend, Fr. Tim Atkins, an American missionary in Haiti, was there. Two Haitian doctors and 20 or 30 Haitian medical students from Port-au-Prince were there. Brother Armand and a number of Brothers of the Incarnation were there. And perhaps 100 or more area residents were there.

All of these people were present this Sunday afternoon on the hilltop location because all of their planning and all of their work, and that of many others who were not there except in spirit, had caused this impressive 3,200-sq. ft. building in front of them to be built. It marked the start of an ongoing effort to raise health care and public health practices in the area to a better level.

Brother Armand spoke to the gathering. He reviewed the history of the clinic, and the involvement of our parish in it. He spoke of each Incarnation parishioner who was present, and thanked them for all they have done to make the clinic a reality.

Father Bill LaFratta also spoke, expressing his joy and that of all his parishioners at what has been accomplished. He renewed the parish's commitment to continuing assistance.

Dr. Kurt Elward spoke on behalf of our parish medical people who have been involved in the clinic since the idea was first born, and who contributed so much to making this day a reality.

The traditional red ribbon was hung across the entrance, and Brother Armand and Father Bill joined in cutting it. One can not dedicate a building without cutting a ribbon!

The people of the Pandiassou area now operate the clinic on a daily basis. Dr. Eliodor Clervil, Haitian doctors supervises with the help of a dedicated staff. Our parish medical professionals will continue to advise, and to supplement health care and health care education by regular visits and personal involvement.

Our parish was given an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of people in another nation. It is clear that we have made good use of it. True, the far-reaching problems of Haiti have not been solved. True, the quality of life of the residents in the Pandiassou area is still far, far below what it ought to be. But thanks to our past efforts, and those of many, many others, it is better than it was. And thanks to our future efforts, and those of many, many others, it will become even better.

When we and others work together, who knows how much can be done?