Brother Olizard Pranius is an integral part of Holy Spirit Haiti Mission. He belongs to a religious order called the Little Brothers of St. Thérèse. The brothers do amazing work throughout Haiti in support of the people. A short time before the 2010 earthquake, Br. Olizard became the Superior of the Palmiste-au-Vin monastery in the town of Leogane. Leogane was devastated by the earthquake, and Br. Olizard accepted the responsibility of assisting the town in its reconstruction efforts.
I first met Br. Olizard in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2006 at a training program
organized by Living Waters for the World (LWW). (We use LWW’s design for our
water systems in Haiti). Br. Olizard and I were in the same class. He was a bit
out of his element – trying to learn about pumps, filtration, etc., (-and not
even in his native language). Understandably, he was rather reserved, and I
didn’t really get to know him at that time. But I distinctly remember him
complaining that the class was too long, –because he had much work to do back
home. That demonstrated that his life’s focus has always been helping the
Haitian people.
It is only in travelling to Haiti that one can really learn what Br. Olizard is
like. It starts with the tremendous hospitality that he and all the brothers
provide for us missionaries. Then one notices how he interacts with others. He
is full of joy and quick to smile. He is a leader. He built the school on the
monastery grounds “starting with nothing”. Now he leads his community of
brothers. But he doesn’t just lead from the front; he is a hard worker, and
gets his hands dirty, too. As I was looking through my trip albums, I saw many
photographs of Br. Olizard assisting with the construction of the water
purification systems.
Br. Olizard is a man of prayer. I’ve observed him lead a Communion service at the monastery with utmost reverence. He was generally the one to lead prayer before our meals at the monastery. He shared with us that he didn’t feel a call to the priest-hood because he felt a greater call to serve the physical needs of his community.
There is a particular story that offers great insight into the nature of Br. Olizard. I heard the story directly from him as he was comforting someone facing fear. Unfortunately, the years since I first heard the story have erased many of the actual details. The essence is that someone had set a trap to physically harm Br. Olizard, but the plan failed. Br. Olizard responded with amazing tranquility. Using wisdom beyond his years, he got the culprit to reveal himself. Then, in the spirit of mercy, he forgave his attacker.
Br. Olizard is truly a living saint. He radiates peace, joy, and humility, and is completely devoted to charitable works. His efforts have positively affected countless people in the Leogane area, –and beyond. I am blessed to know him, and joyful to have been a part of his ministry.