Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »
Tue 01 Jan 2010Contending faiths shape reactions to catastrophe
THE VOICES rise up in the middle of the night, from the darkened streets and public parks that are now home to more than a million Haitians. “ Chanter, c’est prier deux fois,” Haitians say.
Singing is like praying twice. A lone voice launches a hymn. Others join in. I have heard them every night, and it’s the same in other parts of the city. The prayers, in Creole, often mixed with what sound like voodoo chants, continue for an hour or two, then subside before dawn.
Choose a Subscription type - required
