By Jessica Easthope
The loss of a gentle, patient and holy priest leaves a great void in the Diocese of Brooklyn, that’s what those who knew Bishop Guy Sansaricq best said, September 2, at his mass of Christian burial.
“Bishop Sansaricq is my old friend, I know him with humility and kindness,” said Bishop Glandas Toussaint of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The mass was held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights. Hundreds of men and women religious, as well as family, friends and parishioners came to mourn the man they say lived life with an important purpose.
In the days leading up to his death on August 21, Bishop Sansaricq was doing what he always did when the people of Haiti needed help – mobilizing quickly and turning all his attention to recovery after the devastating earthquake.
“He died preparing a collection for Haiti and so I can say now his legacy was for Haitian people to be more involved, it’s not only for collections but to try to sustain hope for Haitian people,” said Bishop Pierre Dumas of the Diocese of Nippes, Haiti.
When it came to uplifting the Haitian people both in Haiti and here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Sansaricq’s work was never done, a point of pride for Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who called him a brother and confidant.
“He wants to show the advancement of the Haitian people which is a boost for them too that they made it, they’ve lived the American dream and are successful,” said Bishop DiMarzio.
Bishop Sansaricq focused on the resilience of the Haitian people and allowed those living here to hold tight to their roots.
“If we try to take the legacy of Bishop Sansaricq we become more compassionate men and women, and that means to take care of Haitian people and talk about what happens there and to not forget Haiti,” said Bishop Dumas.
At the end of his funeral mass the Co-Cathedral erupted in applause – people thanking him for his service to the Diocese of Brooklyn and Haitians everywhere. Bishop Sansaricq’s love and hope for the country and its people is his legacy.