Haitian deacon in Mexico dreams of returning to Haiti to serve as a priest

Pierre Bachelet Thomas, a 34-year-old Haitian deacon, is preparing for his ordination as a priest in Monterrey, Mexico, on August 4, 2026. A profound desire guides his path: to return to Haiti and serve his people as a priest.

His journey toward the priesthood began at the Grand Séminaire Notre-Dame in Port-au-Prince. However, his studies were profoundly impacted by Haiti's deepening multidimensional crisis, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 and the subsequent expansion of armed groups' territorial control.

During this turbulent period, Antonio Cavazos Bueno, a Marist layman residing in Haiti, offered Thomas an opportunity to continue his formation in Mexico. This led to his connection with the Archdiocese of Monterrey, where he has been living and studying for three years.

Thomas observes significant shared elements in the religious identities of Haiti and Mexico, including devotion to the Virgin Mary, patron saint festivals, pilgrimages, the importance of family, and faith in God amidst adversity. "My vocation was born and began to blossom in Haiti, but it matured, and that is why I carry Haiti and Mexico in my heart," he stated. "This experience has also allowed me to understand that vocation knows no borders."

While his ordination is imminent, his return to Haiti will be delayed. After being ordained with four other candidates at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, he plans to pursue specialization in civil law in Mexico. Nevertheless, his ultimate goal remains clear: "I dream of returning to Haiti," he affirmed, aiming to bring not only academic knowledge but also the necessary tools to "better serve the Church and all of society." He expressed a strong desire to "serve where the Church needs me and be at the service of this community that awaits me," particularly during Haiti's challenging times.