A vehicle for a parish hit by the earthquake

In February 2023, a powerful earthquake struck the region of Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. At least 50,000 people died, and a large number of buildings were destroyed. Among the areas most hard-hit was the city of Aleppo in Syria, already devastated by the civil war in the country.

Father Hugo Fabian Alaniz, the priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation parish, was clearly protected by his guardian angel, since he himself was unhurt, but his car, which was parked on the street, was crushed by heavy masonry falling from the sixth floor and reduced to scrap metal. This leaves him with a major problem, for his pastoral and social work within the parish is virtually impossible without a vehicle. It is essential for the priests and the other pastoral workers at the parish’s adjoining social centre to be able to get around, as they are often required to transport relief items, as well as the elderly and disabled.

The cost of a taxi is prohibitive and often, taxis are unreliable. At present, he is renting a car, but this, too, is unaffordable in the long term and therefore not a practical solution. He has consequently turned to us with an urgent appeal for help. We cannot let him down and have already promised him $29,946 so that he may continue his pastoral work and help the poor and needy in Aleppo, who are more numerous than ever. Will you help us to help him?