Overview:
This article highlights the vibrant Easter celebration of the Haitian community in South Florida, centered around the Mass at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Miramar. Amid Haiti’s ongoing crisis, parishioners gathered in large numbers to honor the resurrection of Christ through worship and fellowship. Featuring moments from the liturgy led by Father Youry Jules and heartfelt reflections from attendees, the piece captures a diaspora community deeply rooted in faith, tradition, and cultural pride.
By Dessalines Ferdinand _________________
MIRAMAR, FL — For generations, members of the Haitian diaspora have returned to their homeland during Easter to celebrate the sacred season with family and friends. However, this year, escalating gang violence—particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince—and the limited availability of flights to Haiti forced many to remain in their respective communities throughout the United States. Still, some chose to travel domestically by car or plane to spend time with loved ones.
Despite the ongoing turmoil that has gripped Haiti for years, the faith of Haitian Christians remains unshaken. Their unwavering belief in a brighter future continues to nourish their spiritual resilience. This enduring hope is one of the primary reasons many members of the diaspora, though physically distant, remain deeply connected to the Easter traditions of their native land.
As a reflection of their devotion, large crowds gathered to participate in Good Friday prayer processions and Easter Sunday Masses at Catholic churches across South Florida. Among the most attended were Notre-Dame d’Haïti in Little Haiti, Saint James in North Miami, and Saint Bartholomew in Miramar.
Haitian Easter celebrations are deeply rooted in both Catholic and Vodou traditions. Like evangelicals, many Haitians observe the resurrection of Christ through worship services and moments of personal reflection. Yet, the season also brings joyful cultural expressions such as rara bands and kite-flying contests. In Miramar’s River Run Park, one Haitian man in his fifties was seen flying a traditional ‘grandou’ kite with his grandson—a tender moment that may have evoked nostalgic memories of his childhood in Haiti.
Packed Attendance at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Miramar for Easter Sunday Mass
Easter Sunday Mass in the Catholic Church is a joyous celebration commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mass is a central part of the Easter Triduum, which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. It marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter season.
Last Sunday was no exception at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Miramar, where members of the Haitian community regularly gather for worship. Located at the corner of Miramar Parkway and South University Drive, the parish experienced higher-than-usual attendance as many occasional churchgoers joined the faithful to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. In anticipation of the larger crowd, parish leaders—among them France Martine Alcena and Wilner Valcin —made special efforts to ensure that all guests felt welcomed and were properly accommodated for the occasion.
At Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church, the Easter Sunday Mass—led by Father Youry Jules—was marked by a series of spiritually rich and emotionally uplifting moments. Joyful hymns celebrating the resurrection echoed through the church, setting the tone for a service rooted in faith and hope. Readings from the Old Testament and the Gospels, particularly those recounting the empty tomb and the appearances of the risen Christ, reminded the congregation of the profound meaning of the day.
Prayers of thanksgiving were offered to God for the gift of the resurrection, as the faithful reflected on the triumph of life over death.
“Jesus is no longer in the tomb. Do not look for Him among the dead—seek Him among the living,” declared Father Youry Jules during his homily.
“The door to eternal life has been opened for us—the door of hope, peace, joy, love, and encouragement, the door that connects us to one another,” Father Jules added.
The Mass culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist, where worshippers received the body and blood of Christ. The atmosphere throughout was one of deep reverence, joy, and gratitude for the sacrifice and victory of Jesus Christ.
At the conclusion of the two-hour Mass, many parishioners lingered outside the church, turning the sacred celebration into a moment of joyful socialization. For some, it was a rare opportunity to reconnect with old friends and familiar faces—especially those who are not regular attendees but make it a point to come for Easter. Laughter, warm embraces, and heartfelt conversations filled the church courtyard, as the faithful shared stories, memories, and blessings. It was a reminder that beyond its spiritual significance, Easter also serves as a powerful occasion to strengthen community bonds and renew cherished relationships.
“I don’t come to church every Sunday, but Easter always brings me back,” said Jean-Robert, a longtime resident of Pembroke Pines. “Growing up in Carrefour, this season was special—waking up early for Mass at Saint Charles Church, flying kites with cousins, hearing the drums of the rara bands in the distance. Being here today brought all those memories rushing back. It feels like a piece of home.”
As laughter and conversation filled the courtyard after Mass, Mirlande, a woman in her fifties, turned to a friend with a smile and said jokingly, “You know, I still remember the day I met my boyfriend—who later became the man of my life and the father of my two sons—right after Easter Sunday Mass in the late ’80s at Saint Gérard Church in Carrefour-Feuilles. I was just chatting in the courtyard with two of my classmates, just like we are now, when he approached me. Those were beautiful days.”
For many Haitians living in the diaspora, especially in South Florida, faith is more than a tradition—it is a lifeline that keeps them spiritually grounded and emotionally connected to their roots. Though they are miles away from their homeland, their prayers, songs, and rituals echo the rhythms of Haiti’s hills and chapels. In times of national crisis and uncertainty, like the one Haiti is currently facing, the diaspora leans even more heavily on their faith as a source of strength, unity, and hope.
Easter, with its themes of resurrection and renewal, resonates deeply with this community. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, light prevails. Whether through a simple prayer, a cherished hymn, or the symbolic act of flying a kite with a grandchild, Haitian families in South Florida reaffirm their resilience and cultural pride. Their faith travels across oceans and borders—anchoring them to their identity, to each other, and to a homeland they may be far from physically, but remain intimately close to in heart and spirit.
Enjoy some special moments from the Easter Sunday Mass at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church captured in the photos below, highlighting the spirit, tradition, and unity of the celebration.
