By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Father Reginald Jean-Mary, pastor of Notre Dame d'Haiti, preaches the homily during the Mass.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Two women place candles beside the cross in Notre Dame d'Haiti's courtyard.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
A picture of the ruins of Port-au-Prince's cathedral was on display during the Mass.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Hans Chardy raises his hand in memory of those who died in the Haitian earthquake. North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre is standing next to him.
In his homily, Father Reginald Jean-Mary, Notre Dame d'Haiti's pastor, spoke about the earthquake and conditions in Haiti, saying Jan. 12, 2010 was the darkest moment in the history of Haiti, with 300,000 lives lost. The same way Haitians commemorate their independence, they must remember Jan. 12, he said.
"Our irresponsibility led to the disaster," he said. "God gave us everything to make Haiti a better place. It's immoral that people are still living in terrible conditions." But, he added, "Our resilience is rooted in faith. We are grateful to all who helped."
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Priests and those attending the Mass walk in a candlelight procession to the courtyard where the candles were placed under a cross and balloons were released.
