Meet Edlene Saintimond

Edlene Saintimond, 39, and her three boys aged 5,12, and 17, live on an island off the coast of Haiti.  They were homeless and living with her parents in a dilapidated house.

She sells small sundries in the local market but doesn’t earn enough to provide for her family.

The father of Edlene’s children abandoned her and provides no support.

The family was living in extreme poverty, according to their caseworker, who added:  “The fire over which they cook food looks like it hasn’t been lit for some time.  The children appear to be malnourished and hungry.”

Edlene and her family is being sponsored by St. Mary’s to participate in a program called The Graduation Model, which has been proven globally to help families lift themselves out of extreme poverty in 24 months — and stay out.  She is one of 160 families currently participating in this program.  Over 700 families have participated in this program in the past and are now able to be self-sufficient and live lives of dignity.

St. Mary’s has committed to providing $100/month for 24 months.  This sponsorship will give Edlene a path to a much brighter future, one that is filled with dignity, hope, opportunity, and self-reliance.

Our sponsorship will allow her to build her own home and to begin earning the money needed so that she can provide for her family long after the sponsorship ends.

Periodically, as needed, we will ask for donations to support this sponsorship.  As part of our Lenten practice of almsgiving, please consider a donation to this cause.

Beyond Borders operates this program, which they call the Family Graduation Program.  They will update us on the progress this family is making.  More information on Beyond Borders can be found at beyondborders.net or type “Beyond Borders Haiti” in your search engine.

1. The days of both Fast and Abstinence during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. The other Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence.

On a day of Fast, only one (1) full meal is permitted, and two (2) smaller meals, which, if added together, would not exceed the main meal in quantity. Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

On a day of Abstinence, no meat may be eaten. Those who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence.

2. The obligation to observe the laws of Fast and Abstinence “substantially”, or as a whole, is a serious obligation.

3. The Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are designated as days of penance, but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat some other practice of voluntary self-denial as penance.

4. The time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept (Easter Duty*) extends from the First Sunday of Lent, March 9 to The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, June 15, 2025.

*Canon 920, §1. All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year.