In Memoriam: Bishop Joseph Willy Romélus, A Great Soul Has Passed Away
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 5 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
In the silence of bruised hearts, a star has faded. Bishop Joseph Willy Romélus left us at a time when Haiti needed his open hands, his gentle yet firm voice, his spirit capable of stirring the soul's sensitive chords and calling for unity. His departure leaves an immense void, but his light continues to guide those who still walk the paths of hope and the common good.
The Bishop Emeritus of Jérémie, Joseph Willy Romélus, a reformist priest, humanist, development promoter, and ardent defender of human rights in Grand’Anse and beyond, has passed away. His departure, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Arniquet, his hometown, at the age of 94, leaves an immense void in the religious sphere and the patriotic sector of Haiti.
The prelate, whose philosophy placed man and his well-being at the center of his actions, beyond traditional religious concepts, was also known for his affability and humor in ecclesiastical circles. He was a champion of his time: the actions he undertook, the works accomplished in the Diocese of Jérémie, as well as his religious and social endeavors, will continue to distinguish him among the greats of his era and his Church.
The Bible defines death as the wages of sin, as it is written in the book of Romans, chapter 6, verse 23: « For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. » For us Christians, death is an inevitable passage; no one escapes it, not even Christ, who, to atone for our sins, was crucified on Golgotha.
However, thanks to Him, we know that death does not have the final say. As 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 reminds us: « O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. »
Bishop Romélus, a Shepherd in the Footsteps of Christ
As a bishop, Bishop Romélus followed in the footsteps of Christ through good times and bad, being a light in the darkness: « Be torches and shine. » He carried his torch with determination and dedication, and it shone brightly. Its sparks will continue to illuminate those who knew him, even after his passing. Grand’Anse, this poetic and mysterious land, will remain his last stronghold. Long considered a bastion of culture and spirituality, it was the setting for over fifty years of his life and career. Before being consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Jérémie, he served as parish priest of Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours in Latibolière, a suburb of Jérémie. A humanist and progressive at heart, Father Romélus distinguished himself early on by his leadership, generosity, and constant concern for the good of the community.
I, Marc Jeris Louis Jean, born in Beaumont, in the district of Corail, grew up cradled by the traditions of the Catholic Church of Grand’Anse. I was first an active member of Catholic action movements, then a seminarian at the Petit Séminaire Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours de Calas, in Jérémie. Having had the chance to be close to Bishop Romélus, I can attest to his humanity and benevolence. His altruism, patriotism, and commitment to human rights deeply impressed me. These qualities inspired me to write the poem « Ode of Honor to Bishop Willy Romélus » in 1997, read by Reverend Father Almonacy Julien during the celebrations of his 20th episcopal anniversary, in the presence of Bishops Alix Verrier and Guy Poulard. Beyond the buildings and churches he established, Bishop Romélus nurtured the youth. As the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34, verses 11-12 reminds us: « For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered. » Under his leadership, many young people from Latibolière chose the priesthood, and he consecrated them himself to serve like Christ and not to be served. Among them: Reverend Father Jean Antoine, Reverend Father Walnès St Clair, and the former parish priest of Beaumont, Jean Edner Mars. An Exceptional Journey
Bishop Joseph Willy Romélus, Bishop Emeritus of Jérémie, dedicated over 60 years of his life to the service of the Catholic Church. Born in Château, Arniquet commune (South, Haiti), he was ordained a priest on July 13, 1958, for the Diocese of Les Cayes, alongside confreres such as Jean Nérée Lindor and Jean Alix Verrier. His exceptional journey illustrates his constant commitment to his faith and community.
As a bishop, Bishop Romélus followed in the footsteps of Christ through good times and bad, being a light in the darkness: « Be torches and shine. » He carried his torch with determination and dedication, and it shone brightly. Its sparks will continue to illuminate those who knew him, even after his passing. Grand’Anse, this poetic and mysterious land, will remain his last stronghold. Long considered a bastion of culture and spirituality, it was the setting for over fifty years of his life and career. Before being consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Jérémie, he served as parish priest of Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours in Latibolière, a suburb of Jérémie. A humanist and progressive at heart, Father Romélus distinguished himself early on by his leadership, generosity, and constant concern for the good of the community.
I, Marc Jeris Louis Jean, born in Beaumont, in the district of Corail, grew up cradled by the traditions of the Catholic Church of Grand’Anse. I was first an active member of Catholic action movements, then a seminarian at the Petit Séminaire Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours de Calas, in Jérémie. Having had the chance to be close to Bishop Romélus, I can attest to his humanity and benevolence. His altruism, patriotism, and commitment to human rights deeply impressed me. These qualities inspired me to write the poem « Ode of Honor to Bishop Willy Romélus » in 1997, read by Reverend Father Almonacy Julien during the celebrations of his 20th episcopal anniversary, in the presence of Bishops Alix Verrier and Guy Poulard. Beyond the buildings and churches he established, Bishop Romélus nurtured the youth. As the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34, verses 11-12 reminds us: « For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered. » Under his leadership, many young people from Latibolière chose the priesthood, and he consecrated them himself to serve like Christ and not to be served. Among them: Reverend Father Jean Antoine, Reverend Father Walnès St Clair, and the former parish priest of Beaumont, Jean Edner Mars. An Exceptional Journey
Bishop Joseph Willy Romélus, Bishop Emeritus of Jérémie, dedicated over 60 years of his life to the service of the Catholic Church. Born in Château, Arniquet commune (South, Haiti), he was ordained a priest on July 13, 1958, for the Diocese of Les Cayes, alongside confreres such as Jean Nérée Lindor and Jean Alix Verrier. His exceptional journey illustrates his constant commitment to his faith and community.
- 1950-1963: Vicar at Anse-à-Veau parish
1963-1964: Vicar at Nativity of Dame-Marie parish
1964-1965: Vicar at Saint-Louis du Sud
1965-1977: Administrator of Latibolière parish
