23865: Corbett: (e-mail note) Fr. Jean-Juste is Free!

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

> From: bill quigley [mailto:duprestars@yahoo.com]

>> Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 7:08 AM
>>
>> Dear Friends:  As I hope you know, Fr. Jean-Juste is
>> free!  When he was released it was already dark and we
>> went immediately to his parish on a hill overlooking
>> the port au prince international airport.  The word
>> spread quickly through his parish that he was free and
>> he held an impromptu nearly riotously joyful mass for
>> a thousand people. He was received like some
>> combination of the pope and elvis!  I have stayed by
>> his side ever since and today we are trying to fly to
>> miami.  We often do not have electricity and this is
>> the first time I have had access to email in over a
>> week.  Yesterday we went back to the last prison he
>> was in to have a short visit with his ex-cellmates.
>> When we walked into the prison, the guards were
>> incredulous that he was back.  When we walked into the
>> prison yard, the prisoners were overoyed and started
>> chanting "mon pere!  mon pere!" and cheering and
>> clapping.  His release is the work of many, many
>> people and is a tremendous sign of hope for the people
>> of Haiti who are facing crushing economic and
>> political problems.  Despite their challenges, the
>> people continue to inspire with their determination,
>> tenacity, and soaring spirit.   Fr. Jean-Juste says
>> that being in jail has set him free.  Therefore, he is
>> strongly lifting his voice for the 700 other political
>> prisoners still in jail and is openly challenging the
>> legitimacy of the unelected government.  I have many
>> stories to share and will do so once I am back and
>> have access to computer.