PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) - In a Haitian dance hall transformed into a temple, dozens of
voodoo practitioners dressed all in white, scarves around their necks in red, yellow or
green, came Friday to pay homage to their first-ever "supreme master".

"Open the barriers," a sole voice intoned in Creole.

"The master has arrive," answered the crowd of men and women, as they rose to
greet Max Beauvoir, 72.

Maz Beauvoir (R)

Until recently, the priests of voodoo, the heavily spirit-focused, African-rooted
belief of many Haitians, operated autonomously without a formal hierarchy or rules.

But through the associations of followers, they decided to establish a national
federation of "Haitian voodooists" and designate a formal leader.

Led by two children who spread about white rose petals on a crimson carpet, Beauvoir
paced ahead toward his new throne surrounded by other leaders of Haiti'sof secrecy and marginalization," said Ismaitre Andre, a voodoo priest.

"Voodoo is the religion of nine million Haitians. Catholic or Protestant, all of
us have a parent who is voodooist," said Michel Brutus, a grand priest decked out in
a traditional costume.

Brutus was delighted to see more and more intellectuals declaring their acceptance and
support of voodooism.

As the enthronment ceremony progressed, music filled the jam-packed temple hall and
carried believers into a full-body dance. The women turned around a grand circle, at the
middle of which were magical talismans.

Max Beauvoir

In attendance was Haiti's Culture Minister Eddy Lubin, who declared his belief in
voodoo, and at his side were other government officials, an elderly priest and well-known
Haitian singers.

Further back in the hall, diplomats and curious tourists who squeezed in for the
spectacle.

For student Juna Joseph, 20, a