Lesly Condé, Consul General of Haiti in Chicago wishes Happy New Year 2017 to the entire Haitian community and also reminds the compatriots of Chicago and of the entire Midwest and the friends of Haiti that the 1st and 2nd of January 2017 bring back respectively the 213 th anniversary of our National Independence and the Haiti Ancestors' Day.

On this occasion, the Haitian Catholic Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites the brothers and sisters of the community to a solemn Mass, which will be celebrated on Sunday, January 1 at 5:30 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Peace located at 7801 South Jeffery, Chicago. After the religious ceremony a reception will be offered in the basement of the Church. This invitation extends to the faithful of all religious denominations.

In addition, on Saturday, January 7, the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, the Consular Mission and other local organizations invite all the compatriots to a large community gathering to be held from 7:00 pm at the Levy Center located at 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston. On the program: different speakers, songs, poems, musical animation etc. The traditional soup with giraumon will be served and a souvenir of our dear Haiti will be given to all those present. We will take this opportunity to honor the memory of the victims of the 2010 earthquake.

The Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago encourages the members of our large family to come and show their national pride and solidarity by welcoming the New Year in harmony and respect.

IH/ iciHaiti