Brooklyn Catholics took to the streets on October 17 to express solidarity with Haitian migrants affected by the termination of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The procession, which was part of the “Stations of the Cross for Migrant Dignity,” was led by Bishop Robert Brennan and included a prayerful stop at three churches in the area.
Approximately 350,000 Haitians in the United States now face uncertainty following the end of TPS in July, a move that has drawn criticism and pleas from various Catholic bishops urging the government to reconsider. Participants in the Brooklyn event carried wooden crosses and offered prayers, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Haitian communities amidst these challenges.
Bishop Brennan began the day’s events with a Mass at Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church in East Flatbush, a parish with a significant Haitian population. Following the service, he blessed 60 crosses for attendees to carry. Each cross bore the name of an individual who has died in detention centers since 2024.
“Hundreds of Catholics took to the streets of the Diocese of Brooklyn, carrying crosses and offering prayers in solidarity with Haitian migrants facing uncertainty over their future in the United States,” reported The Tablet, the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Brooklyn.
The procession continued from Saint Jerome to Saint Therese of Lisieux RC Church and Saint Vincent Ferrer Church, reflecting on the hardships faced by migrants. Bishop Brennan at each station offered prayers for those who have suffered injustices, been separated from loved ones, or are currently held in detention facilities.
This demonstration came at a time of increasing concern about violence and instability in Haiti, exacerbated by local gangs. A U.S. congressional delegation that visited Haiti described the dire situation there, which includes frequent acts of violence, as horrific and unacceptable. The United Nations Security Council has attempted to address the violence by establishing a Gang Suppression Force, but reports highlight ongoing risks for those involved.
Many Haitians desperately seek a restoration of their TPS status, fearing that their return to Haiti could result in kidnapping or death. In one tragic instance, a young Haitian man reportedly took his own life after losing his TPS protections.
As Brooklyn Catholics continue to rally for support and outreach to the Haitian community, the larger implications of policy decisions affecting migrants remain a topic of concern and advocacy within the diocese and beyond.
