Father Romain Quotes in The Farming of Bones
At times you could sit for a whole evening with such individuals, just listening to their existence unfold […] it was their way of returning home, with you as a witness […]. In [Father Romain’s] sermons to the Haitian congregants of the valley he often reminded everyone of common ties: language, foods, history, carnival, songs, tales, and prayers. His creed was one of memory, how remembering—though sometimes painful—can make you strong.
“On this island, walk too far in either direction and people speak a different language,” continued Father Romain with aimless determination. “Our motherland is Spain; theirs is darkest Africa, you understand? […] We, as Dominicans, must have our separate traditions and our own ways of living. If not, in less than three generations, we will all be Haitians.”
[...] “He was beaten badly every day,” the sister said. […] “Sometimes he remembers everything. Sometimes, he forgets all of it, everything, even me.”
Father Romain Quotes in The Farming of Bones
At times you could sit for a whole evening with such individuals, just listening to their existence unfold […] it was their way of returning home, with you as a witness […]. In [Father Romain’s] sermons to the Haitian congregants of the valley he often reminded everyone of common ties: language, foods, history, carnival, songs, tales, and prayers. His creed was one of memory, how remembering—though sometimes painful—can make you strong.
“On this island, walk too far in either direction and people speak a different language,” continued Father Romain with aimless determination. “Our motherland is Spain; theirs is darkest Africa, you understand? […] We, as Dominicans, must have our separate traditions and our own ways of living. If not, in less than three generations, we will all be Haitians.”
[...] “He was beaten badly every day,” the sister said. […] “Sometimes he remembers everything. Sometimes, he forgets all of it, everything, even me.”
