REBUILDING ST. ANTHONY THE HERMIT CHURCH IN LORI

On our recent trip to Lori, the primary focus was to evaluate the condition of the current 50 year old church and determine the effort and resources need to rebuild it.  It was immediately evident that repair was not an option as the roof and two walls were all but gone and the rear wall had been undermined by water runoff that had also destroyed the footing.  We had extensive discussions with Fr. Romain about his needs and desires for the church, some of which we are not yet in the position to support. When I initially saw the collapsed church I was amazed at the destruction and that it had stood as long as it did.

At this time we have committed with the Twinning Team to build a new church 30 feet by 80 feet (old church was 30’x60’) to better accommodate the number of attendees and to increase the doors and windows to improve access.  Holding the width to 30 feet enables the construction team to build the roof trusses on site using local hardwood, and reduce the overall cost of the project which is currently estimated at about $60,000.  Additional donations will be gratefully accepted to support successful completion of the project.

Working closely with Fr. Romain the visiting team identified a competent project supervisor.  He had built the St. Anthony school which survived the hurricane unscathed.  Several foremen have also been identified, with Fr. Romain negotiating wages accordingly for all workers, who will come from the village of Lori, building the ownership in the project which we believe is necessary to ensure success.

Build Change, a local non-government organization involved with quality control, training and setting up concrete block building enterprises, will provide additional training for the project supervisors in the construction techniques, needed to ensure hurricane survival, which were not used in the original construction.  Workers will be turned over every few weeks to provide work (and pay) opportunities for as many villagers as possible.  The construction, from demolition and removal of debris (to a needed fill area on church property) to completion of the new church, is expected to take 16 weeks, including any downtime expected during the rainy season.

The Lori villagers have already carried much of the sand and gravel needed for the project in 5 gallon pails from the river to the village, a two and half hour climb. After having walked up the mountain I felt like it was something I would not like to try. Likewise they will be tasked to carry the estimated 4200 concrete blocks themselves or by donkey over the same path.  In this case we have arranged to pay each family who participates with rice, oil and beans.  To support this effort and the transportation of other materials to the church site, the Twinning Team authorized repair of a section of the mountain road for approximately $2,500.00.  A contractor has agreed to begin the repairs.

With a lot of your prayers, the planning effort for the new church has gone well.  The Holy Spirit has surely been watching over us and guiding us. Much still needs to be done.  Please continue to pray for the success of this most needed project in our sister parish of St. Anthony the Hermit in Lori.