Rebuilding a parish house destroyed by a tropical storm

Venezuela is regularly hit with tropical storms and other natural disasters, and the country was particularly hard-hit by the passage of Hurricane Julia in October 2022, which caused extensive damage. Tens of people died, and countless houses were destroyed.

Among the places hardest hit by the hurricane was the parish of Tarmas, in the Diocese of La Guaira, in the north of the country. This town of around 14,500 people sits in the mountains at an altitude of around 700 metres above sea level, and the rainfall was so heavy that the ground could no longer absorb it, leading to devastating landslides. In Tarmas itself, around 57 families lost their homes and in many of the other villages of the parish, numerous houses were also destroyed.

Fortunately, the beautiful 200-year-old parish church was spared, since they were able to strengthen and support it in time. But the parish house was extensively damaged and has since had to be demolished. As a result, the parish priest no longer has a place to live.  

The pastoral work in this extensive parish is difficult. It includes 10 villages with chapels and 23 smaller settlements altogether. It takes many hours to cover the total surface area on the rough, bumpy roads. However, the parish is very active and lively.

They have asked us for help to rebuild the parish house – not only so that the priest can once again have a roof over his head, but also to provide a place where catechesis and other parish activities can be held. We have promised them $39,620.