He said he also told the unvaccinated priests that “they couldn't go into the homes of the sick or the homebound or be in close proximity” to worshippers.

To outsiders, the situation can appear completely beyond repair, but that is not the reality Sister Marilyn has come to know in Jacmel. “People need to hear that Haitians are survivors,” she said. “They are people of hope.”

The Catholic Church’s ethical tradition gives us some navigational aids in traversing the difficult terrain of mask mandates and vaccine requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I know that I live in safety. I know that I don’t have to worry about being kidnapped, being hurt; I don’t have to worry about being hit by an I.E.D.” Ahmad wishes that same security for his family and the people of Afghanistan.

At some parishes a battle line has been drawn between parishioners willing to mask up again and those who perceive masks as unnecessary, ineffective or, at worst, a violation of their freedom.

“The Mass itself is a reminder that you don’t just have mariachis you tip at tableside in a cantina,” said Alberto Ranjel. “It is a representation of my culture.”