College Prays for Haiti

As relief efforts in Haiti continued, students, faculty and County leaders gathered in a somber but hopeful prayer service to commemorate those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the Haitain capital, Port-au-Prince.

Johann Fendus, student and president of the Haitian Club, delivered perhaps the most personal speech.

"Your presence has shown concern and compassion, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," she said on behalf of the Haitian Club. Hiding tears, she affirmed her pride in her Haitian background and conveyed her strong empathy for her nation.

The Feb. 2 service began with Campus Minister Michael Ver' Schneider leading the opening prayer, "Amazing Grace."  Dan McErleane played accompanying music as attendees sang.

SUNY Rockland president Dr. Cliff L. Wood, noted the importance of aiding both Haiti and the extensive Haitian community in Rockland. "We must pull together to make a difference for our brothers and sisters," he said.

Following Dr. Wood's words of condolences, Chairwoman of the Rockland County Legislature Harriet Cornell, spoke about the imperative need to help the children distressed by the catastrophic earthquake.

Cornell revealed her plan to write a letter to Congress asking them to lift the immigration quota, to allow orphaned Haitian children to be reunited with their families in the state.

"There is amazing resilience in the faces of the [Haitian] children, even through all of the horror; they are still filled with the optimism of youth," Cornell said.

The prayer service did not focus on a specific religious group, but rather allowed those of different religions and backgrounds to join together and offer a united message of faith and hope for the people in Haiti.

Father Dan O'Reilly, director of Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of New York, explained the meaning of turning to religion during desperate situations, and requested that all "ask God to transform our despair to good."

Rabbi Dov Oliver, director of Hillel, the Center for Jewish Life, recited a prayer and stressed the significance of people connecting their religions to achieve acts of kindness, and to strengthen their faith and relations with others.

Mr. Ver' Schneider concluded the service by expressing how critical it is for the community to take action in helping Haiti, either through donations or volunteering.

Once again, everyone gathered together to join in one more song, "Be Not Afraid," before the service came to an end.