Haiti

A missionary legacy since 1965

The Viatorian adventure in Haiti began in the summer of 1965. After the expulsion of the Jesuits by the government of François Duvalier, the Holy See asked the Clerics of Saint Viator to take over. The first Canadian missionaries then settled in Port-au-Prince to direct the Grand Seminary of Notre-Dame, a nerve center for the training of the Haitian clergy.

The community's commitment quickly extended beyond presbyteral formation:

  • 1966 : Integration of the Sainte-Marie Community with Fr. Jacques Beaudry.
  • 1967 : Establishment at Villa Manrèse, inherited from the Jesuits. This religious center was the heart of the Viatorian mission in Haiti until its tragic destruction in the 2010 earthquake.
  • 1968 : The mission took a decisive turn in the "City of Independence." Two Viatorians assumed the direction of the Immaculée Conception College (CIC), founded two years earlier by Fr. Louis Cinéus, then pastor of the Gonaïves Cathedral. Over the decades, the college has become an institution of reference and a true educational pillar for the country.

Current engagement

The Artibonite Department

Today, the Viatorians animate and direct five schools of excellence, carrying the charism of Venerable Louis Querbes:

In Gonaïves

  • Immaculée Conception College (CIC): Emblematic institution of the Region.
  • Cyr-Guillo Congregational National School: Under Viatorian direction since 2001 after the departure of the Brothers of Christian Instruction (FIC).
  • Saint Viator Mixed Institution: Founded in the early 70s under the impulse of the Clerics of Saint Viator, in close collaboration with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary; initially called "Marie-Rose-Durocher School." Its current infrastructure was made possible thanks to the financial support of the SERSO organization of the Province of Spain.
  • Saint Viator Kindergarten: A space dedicated to early childhood, opened in 2011.

In Saint-Marc

  • James M. Stine School: Founded in 2011 by the Rodrigue-Mortel Foundation. In addition to teaching, the school is a center of community life that hosts youth camps during the summer.

Historical note: The Viatorian presence also marked the North of the country, in Dondon, where the community directed the Saint-Charles-Borromée Presbyteral School (today Saint Viator School) from 1969 to 1990, before withdrawing due to a lack of religious personnel.

Faithful to their educational and spiritual mission, the Clerics of Saint Viator continue to build the future of Haiti through a strong presence in Artibonite, combining academic rigor and pastoral accompaniment.

Influence in the West Department

The Congregation maintains a dynamic presence in the Western Department, structured around three key geographical areas:

Port-au-Prince and its surroundings

  • Saint Viator Welcome House: Located in Cazeau, dedicated to the accompaniment of postulants.
  • Regional House: Due to growing insecurity, the student community has been installed, since November 2025, in the new Regional House adjacent to the Villa Saint-Viateur.
  • Villa Saint-Viateur: Rebuilt between 2020 and 2023, it is now the main house of the congregation in Haiti.

Croix-des-Bouquets Region

  • Pastoral action: Animation and management of the Christ-The-King Parish, in the "Le Meilleur" neighborhood.
  • Education: Saint Viator Mixed Institution of Croix-des-Bouquets, inaugurated in 2014.

Grand-Goâve

  • Parish pastoral: Since 1986, the Viatorians have directed the “Saint-François-d’Assise” Parish. A new parish (Saint-Martin-de-Tours) was recently erected in part of its original territory.
  • Educational mission: Supervision of the “Saint-François-d’Assise” Institution and the Saint Viator Kindergarten (funded by SERSO Spain).

Religious life and mission

Personnel and formation

The Viatorian community in Haiti currently consists of 38 religious, of whom 21 are perpetually professed and 17 have temporary vows. The dynamism of the succession is ensured by several young people in initial formation. Furthermore, the Viatorian family is expanding with 6 associate members.

Historical anchoring

The history of the Region is marked by the commitment of the first Haitian Viatorians, Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé (current Superior General) and Fr. Kénel Verna (Novice Master), who joined the community in 1988.

The charism in action

Faithful to the legacy of Venerable Louis Querbes, the religious and associates embody their mission daily through:

  • The educational environment: an active presence within schools.
  • Youth pastoral: dynamic accompaniment through movements such as the Life Preparation Service (SPV), the New Christian Animation (NAC), and the ALEGRIA Choir.

Thanksgiving

The year 2025 marked a historical milestone: the Viatorians gave thanks for sixty years of fidelity and mission on Haitian soil. With renewed confidence and hope, the community continues its journey today at the service of the Gospel.

Gallery Photos