An inspiring story for Thanksgiving Three months after the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, young people from the Diocese of La Guaira gathered to pray, sing, and remember those who were part of their groups, parishes, and pastoral activities. “They were people filled with light and life,” a young woman who lost her two sisters …
Category archives: South America
Colombia: “Jesus himself has gone out into the streets to meet the people”
One month after the earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, its physical and emotional effects are still deeply felt. Amid the destruction, priests, religious sisters and other pastoral workers remain alongside affected communities, offering support, comfort and hope. From Cali and several municipalities in Valle del Cauca, their voices show how the Church continues …
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Colombia: ACN Visits Earthquake-Stricken Dioceses
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck large parts of western and central Colombia on Monday, August 10. The epicentre was recorded in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó. According to the latest official report, the emergency has left 265 people dead, 3,494 injured, and 496 missing. The earthquake affected over 53,000 …
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Earthquake in Colombia: Church assessing needs for emergency aid
A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck much of western and central Colombia on Monday. While authorities assess the scale of the emergency, the Catholic Church is already accompanying affected communities and gathering information to gauge the most urgent needs. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is in direct contact with the bishops of dioceses …
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Venezuela earthquakes: The Church stands alongside the victims
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has already committed to a second aid package which, according to its executive president, will be “much higher than the initial $150,000” provided right after the earthquakes struck. (Banner photo: Regina Lynch at the centre of a group of young volunteers, July 2026.) The Church has been present …
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Venezuela: Seminarians put theology into practice among the rubble
“Seeing people embrace us and seek comfort in us is a sign that the Church’s mission is to be with the people,” says one Venezuelan seminarian. Germán Jiménez, a seminarian from the Diocese of Petare, Venezuela, is in the final stage of formation before his ordination to the priesthood. From the very first moment following …
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Venezuela: A Church and country in mourning
Venezuela is in mourning. Pain is everywhere, and the Church is often the only source of hope. “Feelings are very mixed. We are here to accompany, to counsel, and to support those who have suffered human losses, but also the many who have lost their jobs. We commend ourselves to the Lord, asking him to …
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Venezuela: Religious sisters stand in solidarity with earthquake victims
The superior general of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, who was due to return to Rome, speaks movingly about the faith displayed by the people amid the tragedy. The double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, claiming more than 3,000 lives and affecting thousands of families, has mobilized the Church throughout the …
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Venezuelan bishop: “Even those who have nothing give everything”
In one of the poorest and most densely populated communities in Caracas, the Church has mobilized to care for the wounded arriving from La Guaira. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has approved an emergency aid package of $150,000 to support the Church’s response to this catastrophe. When Venezuela was struck by deadly earthquakes …
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“The priority now is to rebuild lives,” says archbishop of Caracas
Archbishop Raúl Biord of Caracas, Venezuela, says that the Church is accompanying the victims of the earthquakes while rescue efforts continue. As search and rescue efforts continue, following the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela, the Church has begun to deal with the great challenge of accompanying a deeply traumatized population. “For those who survived, it …
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