Rev. Francis J. Giudice: A Heritage of Service for Haiti's Children

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Father Francis Giudice who departed from us on February 5th at the age of 92. As a profoundly good and virtuous man, he will be greatly missed by many. His chose to live his long life walking the path beside humanity's most needy and vulnerable - providing love and support. From opening health clinics for Rhode Island's poor to founding our school in Haiti, he has left a legacy of hope. For over 30 years, we have been blessed to know Father Giudice and call him friend. Through the years, we worked together to nurture Providence Haiti Outreach. With God's help, and through the generosity of many, we grown each year in our capacity to provide for our children. Some say the measure of a man is now many lives he has touched. Father positively impacted so many, as we can read in this beautiful prayer from Father Andre, Director of St. Dominique School:

"I come, in my own name and on behalf of the educational community of the Presbyteral School of Saint Dominique of Marigot, to express my sympathies to you following the departure of Father Francis for the house of God. This departure is an immense loss for his natural family and for the community of the organization that he founded, Providence Haiti Outreach, in favor of the poorest children of Haiti. Father Francis's passing leaves a difficult void in your bosom. We liked him very much and enjoyed working with him.

We will never cease to give thanks to God for the precious gift that Father Francis was for us and for the work of love that he gave him to carry out for the well being and development of children and young people in Marigot, Haiti. He leaves us the heritage of a life given to the service of the little ones. Father, your name will remain engraved forever in the hearts of the children, families and eductors of the Marigot community. May the Lord grant you a hundredfold the reward of Heaven and give you to contemplate his face. To us who mourn your departure, may the Lord, God of all comfort, comfort us and give us, following your example, to continue your work of charity."

Fr. Andre Leveille

Parish Administrator of Marigot, Director of Saint Dominique School