Braving the political violence in Haiti, ten members of Holy Family Church in South Pasadena recently made a pilgrimage to visit some of the 26,000 students who attend the schools started by Salesian Father Lawrence Bohnen over 35 years ago.

Holy Family Church has a thriving Haiti ministry, led by parishioner Anamaria Young, to support the 182 "Little Schools" scattered throughout the poorest parts of Haiti. Over the years Holy Family has helped provide education and daily nourishment to thousands of impoverished children who would have little or no access otherwise.

"Despite the pessimism outside of Haiti about the country, we found the real message," said Young. "It's hard to read the papers back home that make the Haitian people sound like savages because it's not like that. They have dignity even in the conditions they live in and their children have hope and drive just like our children."

Delegation members noted that their physical presence was important in making connections with the students and their parents.

"Parents said to me, 'You are the first ever to come meet us or to want to know who we are.' It was the first time supporters ever had a dialogue with parents," said Young.

During the recent trip, said Young, "we got to reunite with friends we made three years ago. They saw we don't just send money and forget about them."

As first hand witnesses to the miracles that Holy Family's support helps enact, the pilgrims would like to see even more aid flow to the schools and are now exploring the possibilities of setting up a medical clinic to serve the students.

"Now they don't even have one nurse for the schools," said parish administrator Karl Holtsnider. "We are working with the little schools to get some help there and looking at setting up a complete dental office also."

In a country with 85 percent unemployment, medical care can be a luxury that many can't afford.

The schools, located in some of the most violent slums, have been closed during the political unrest but hope to reopen as soon as the streets are secure.

"The current situation only intensifies our commitment," said Young. "Prayers must come in an overwhelming fashion right now."