Aug 19, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share the latest update from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent update on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
Click here to view the full report PDF.
UNITED IN FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY!
PASTORAL CALL, AWARENESS, AND GUIDANCE FOR SOLIDARITY ACTION IN THE FACE OF EMERGENCY
“55 days after that fateful June 24th, today, August 18, 2026, the Church, religious communities, and every man and woman of faith and goodwill remain standing, walking alongside our suffering people.”
SECTION I: THE MEMORY OF PAIN AND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CRISIS
- 55 DAYS AFTER THE DOUBLE EARTHQUAKE
Last June 24, 2026, left an indelible mark on our homeland. A devastating double earthquake shook the foundations of our communities, destroying homes, churches, and livelihoods in a matter of seconds. Today, exactly 55 days later, the reality of the impact remains present. Wounds do not heal overnight, and the pain of so many families who lost everything demands a living memory that does not allow for forgetfulness or resignation
- DECREASE IN AID AND TIRELESS WORK
Over the weeks, contributions and supplies have dropped drastically: aid has decreased by more than 80%. However, this has not slowed down our commitment. Work continues tirelessly, maintaining constant support for those affected, touching hearts incessantly, and seeking innovative strategies to channel resources. Physical, moral, and spiritual reconstruction will continue for many months, making it vital to sustain our supportive presence alongside vulnerable families.
Medical and Cáritas field volunteers carrying out community outreach
SECTION II: AGGRAVATION OF REALITY AND NEW IMPACTS
- THE BRUNT OF SEVERE WEATHER AND PAIN IN LA GUAIRA
In recent days, intense and prolonged rainfall has battered affected areas. The rains have not only caused flooding but have destroyed the fragile shelters of thousands of our brothers and sisters. Tents and temporary structures set up outdoors have torn and soaked completely. Entire families—with children, the elderly, and the sick—are now exposed to the elements, cold weather, and imminent risk of disease, dramatically worsening daily suffering.
- EARLY MORNING PANIC ON AUGUST 18
As if the heavy weather were not enough, in the early morning of August 18, 2026, a new 4.6 magnitude earthquake centered in La Guaira State shook the ground once again. This new tremor generated severe panic among the population, reigniting psychological trauma and constant fear. Ground instability and emotional fragility make every aftershock a direct blow to the heart of the community.
SECTION III: INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY AND EMBRACE FROM CELAM
- GRATITUDE TO THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND SISTER ORGANIZATIONS
We give profound thanks to God that in the midst of this tribulation we have not been alone. We deeply recognize and appreciate the valuable solidarity of organizations such as Cáritas Germany, Cáritas Italy, and various institutions of the Catholic Church across Latin America and other parts of the globe, who have stood by us through prayer, fraternity, and concrete contributions to sustain our people’s hope.
Humanitarian donations, aid boxes, and supplies logistical preparation
- PASTORAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF CELAM
We highlight in a special way the recent presence in our country of the President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), who is also Titular Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cartagena. His pastoral visit was a true balm of comfort: he visited various locations across the Archdiocese of Caracas and the Diocese of La Guaira, listening attentively to the suffering and testimonies of affected families. In this fraternal encounter, we received an unconditional message of support from Catholic brothers and sisters in Colombia and throughout Latin America. In turn, deep solidarity and affection from the faithful people of God in Venezuela were expressed back to Colombia. This exchange reaffirms that faith transcends borders and unites us as one body in Christ.
Pastoral Visit meeting with clergy and volunteers on the ground
SECTION IV: AWARENESS AND SENSITIZATION: LET US NOT ABANDON OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
- LA GUAIRA AND OUR VICTIMS ARE NOT ALONE
We cannot allow exhaustion, routine, or habit to numb our capacity to feel others’ pain. We must not abandon La Guaira State; we must not abandon the victims. Behind every number, there are human faces: children who need warmth, elderly people requiring medicine, and families longing for a comforting word. Forgetting those who suffer outdoors today would mean abandoning the core mandate of Christian charity.
- SENSITIVITY AS AN ENGINE FOR CHANGE
To raise awareness is to open the eyes of the soul. It is remembering that solidarity is not giving away what we have left over, but sharing what we have with those who have nothing left. We make an urgent appeal to the collective conscience: the emergency is not over just because the cameras have turned off. Every person, family, and institution holds the opportunity to be an instrument of comfort through material contributions, prayer, and human closeness.
Support activities for children and families in disaster-affected areas
SECTION V: PASTORAL RESPONSE AND NETWORK OF FRATERNITY
- A CHURCH IN MOTION: PASTORAL CARE ON THE GROUND
In the face of adversity, the response of the Church does not stop. Under the active leadership of Parochial Caritas and the drive of Cáritas Caracas, work has not ceased for a single second. Pastoral action goes far beyond material assistance: it is a living presence that listens, embraces, strengthens faith, and evangelizes through the constant testimony of charity.
- RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND FAITH-BASED VOLUNTEERS
Women and men religious communities, along with priests, deacons, and laypeople, have devoted themselves entirely to this reality. They remain on the ground sharing the fate of those most in need, cooking in community kitchens, providing emotional support, and acting as beacons of light. Likewise, Diocesan Caritas teams across the country continue to organize relentlessly, activating collection centers and reaching out to send constant aid to disaster zones.
SECTION VI: STRATEGIES, ALLIANCES, AND PERMANENT CALL TO ACTION
- DIALOGUE WITH BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
To sustain aid over time despite shortages, direct dialogue strategies have been designed with the business sector, civil organizations, and foundations. This effort aims to build strategic partnerships to channel resources, medical supplies, construction materials, and food consistently. Social responsibility combined with faith in action are fundamental pillars for sustaining ground logistics.
Strategic planning meetings and media outreach efforts
- PRAYER AND COMMITMENT TO THE END
We make a passionate call to all faithful believers to continue praying fervently to the Lord so that He continues touching generous hearts. The Church and all people of goodwill reaffirm our commitment to continue accompanying, walking, and suffering alongside our brothers and sisters. We will not leave you alone. We will maintain aid, support, active listening, and contributions for as long as necessary, because in every neighbor in need lives the face of Christ.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Parish Animator – La Santa Cruz
Cáritas Caracas
Caracas, August 18, 2026
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Aug 13, 2026
The MSC Centre for the Poor and the extended community in the Philippines have been working throughout the summer to bring aid to survivors of an earthquake and flash flood that devastated the region of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, in July.
“Help is on the way!” posted their Facebook page in mid-July. “The MSC Center for the Poor team is on its way to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental to bring hope and support to families affected by the recent earthquake and flash flood.”
The team were armed with a plan to support 250 families affected by the disaster, through the distribution of relief packages and Psychological First Aid. “Together, may we become instruments of compassion and hope for our brothers and sisters,” wrote the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor.
Two days later, the Facebook page posted news of the team’s successful arrival at the relief site. “Despite the challenging and hazardous road condition, the MSC Center for the Poor Relief Team has safely reached one of the communities severely affected by the earthquake and landslides in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental,” they wrote.
Finally, on July 18th, the relief team posted news of a successful mission accomplished. “The MSC Center for the Poor successfully carried out its Relief Operation and Psychological First Aid for families affected by the earthquake and flash floods in Brgy. Magulibas, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental last July 16, 2026. A total of 100 families received assistance through the provision of rice, food packs, cash support, and psychological first aid, bringing hope and comfort during this difficult time.”
The project aimed to reach 250 families, but extremely hazardous conditions made further travel impossible at this time. The mission still ensured that the emergency supplies reached those in need, although the full team were unable to get to the site. “Although our team was unable to reach the devastated community of Brgy. Nuing due to landslides that made the roads impassable, we were still able to extend our support by sending 150 sacks of rice, 10 boxes of drinking water, and food items through the parish to ensure that help reached those in need.”
“Despite the long, difficult, and dangerous journey, our mission was successfully accomplished through God’s grace and the generosity of many compassionate people.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MSC Mission Office for facilitating the donation drive, to all our donors, benefactors, volunteers, and everyone who supported this mission. Your generosity has become a source of hope and healing for our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster.
Together, we continue to be instruments of God’s love and compassion. May God bless you all!”
Our prayers remain with all those affected by the earthquake and flash flood, and all who have worked so hard and given so much to help at the MSC Centre for the Poor and beyond.
Images via the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor.
Aug 11, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share the latest update from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent report on the ecclesiastical mission in the wake of the disaster.
SHADOW AND HOPE
The Ecclesial Mission Following the Tragedy
Accompaniment, Faith, and Solidarity in Caracas and La Guaira
Please click here to view the full report PDF.
On June 24, a historic mark was left on Venezuela due to the devastating impact of the double earthquake that severely shook the national territory, with the city of Caracas and the state of La Guaira being the most affected epicenters. Faced with the pain of material loss and the regrettable physical departure of numerous brothers and sisters, the human and Christian response was immediate, transforming collective grief into a vast network of fraternity and uninterrupted service.
The Living Presence of the Church on the Ground
Given the magnitude of the emergency, diocesan and parish service structures deployed an immediate and sustained effort. The coordinated labor between Cáritas Caracas, Cáritas La Guaira, various religious congregations, priests, and an innumerable contingent of faithful men and women has represented a living light of hope amid the ruins.
This extraordinary dedication has materialized in the receipt, sorting, and transparent distribution of all supplies and provisions collected at official collection centers, meticulously organized by both the Archdiocese of Caracas and the Diocese of La Guaira. Each package delivered carries not only material relief, but also the comforting embrace of an entire community that refuses to leave anyone behind.
“We ask the Lord to reward all our deceased brothers and sisters with eternal life, and that those who are still on their pilgrimage carry in their hearts the firm conviction that God accompanies, listens to, and walks beside His beloved people.”
Comprehensive Care in Shelters and Temporary Camps
At the heart of this humanitarian effort, the work of La Santa Cruz Parish together with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) stands out. Their constant presence in temporary camps and shelter centers located within the parish jurisdiction as well as in other key areas of the Propatria Archpriestship encompasses comprehensive and cross-cutting care:
The Ministry of Listening: Spaces for emotional relief and support for families impacted by loss and trauma.
Sacramental Accompaniment: Celebration of faith, reconciliation, and the Eucharist, renewing the spiritual strength of those affected.
Recreational and Community Spaces: Activities directed toward children, youth, and older adults to instill joy and restore community routine.
United in Divine Providence
Despite physical adversity and the complexity of the situation, the Venezuelan Church reaffirms its absolute trust in God’s Providence. The solidarity shown by institutions, volunteers, and individuals continues to be received with deep gratitude, allowing care to remain steady during the most complex stages of recovery.
The testimony of communion and pastoral and priestly dedication throughout the Propatria and Catia Archpriestship confirms that, even amid rubble and uncertainty, charity and hope remain firm and unwavering.
Fraternally,
Br. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC
Pastoral Animator
Caracas, August 8, 2026
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Aug 6, 2026
In July, Ecuadorian Section Leader Fr Marcelo Campoverde MSC led a special Mass at a local cemetery in remembrance of loved ones who have gone to their eternal rest in the Lord’s embrace. The ceremony was both poignant and uplifting, as the community remembered their dead and celebrated their earthly lives and loves.
The MSC mission in Ecuador is looking forward to an exciting August, with a third Ecuadorian priest, Diego, due to be ordained on August 8th. “We are working to place greater emphasis on youth and vocation ministry,” writes Fr Marcelo. “Diego will be the one leading this work, utilizing social media and working with young people in our parishes. I ask for your prayers for him.”
We pray for Diego, Fr Marcelo, and all on the MSC mission in Ecuador, with every grace and blessing of the Sacred Heart. We remain truly grateful for the support of our mission friends and benefactors here at home, which goes such a long way in helping Fr Marcelo and indigenous communities in Ecuador. May God bless you all.
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR GLOBAL MISSION PROJECTS
Aug 5, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC has shared further updates from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share the latest video update from Br Deiby and the Caritas team, and the most recent report on the ongoing outreach programme.
Faith and Hope Accompaniment After the Earthquakes
Humanitarian and Pastoral Assistance Mission: State of La Guaira and Caracas, Venezuela
Please click here to view the full report PDF.
A Call Not to Lower Our Guard Amid Adversity
After the devastating double earthquake that shook our country on June 24th, leaving deep scars of pain and extensive material losses across various regions, the Catholic Church, through Cáritas Caracas and the parish network, reaffirms with renewed commitment its uninterrupted presence alongside the most affected communities and families.
Accompaniment in Shelters and a Call to Solidarity
We make a fraternal and urgent appeal to all Venezuelan people and to all people of goodwill: Let us not lose heart, let us not be careless, and let us not lower our guard!
The initial emergency has transitioned into a crucial stage of human, social, and spiritual support. The pain of our brothers and sisters requires us to keep the flame of solidarity alive and continue channeling aid through the various collection centers established in both the Archdiocese of Caracas and the Diocese of La Guaira.
“Our greatest strength is the faith we share. We will rise again! Jesus Christ does not remain distant from suffering; He walks side-by-side with every man and woman in these crucial moments.”
Impact of the Tragedy and the Pastoral Response
The double seismic movement caused atrocious damage to infrastructure and housing. Although the city of Caracas suffered severe damage in several sectors, the State of La Guaira was the area of greatest impact and devastation.
Faced with this difficult reality, the ecclesial response has not been limited solely to the delivery of material provisions.
“OUR GREATEST STRENGTH IS THE FAITH WE SHARE. WE WILL RISE AGAIN! VENEZUELA VENEZUELA VENEZUELA”
Direct Assistance and Support Framework
Material Aid in Collection Centers
- Non-perishable food: Baby food, infant formula, and grains.
- Personal Hygiene Kits: Soap, diapers, and toiletries.
- Drinking water & medicines: Priority medical supplies.
- Responsible distribution: Direct delivery to the most vulnerable families.
Spiritual and Human Accompaniment
- Pastoral Listening: Offering comfort and emotional guidance.
- Proclamation of the Word: Bringing the light of the Gospel to pain.
- Fraternal Closeness: Walking alongside those who suffer in the shelter.
- Community Prayer: Constant intercession for victims and grieving.
The Comfort of Christ and the Conviction of Hope
Amid the rubble and difficulty, the central message of our faith remains steadfast: Jesus Christ remains and walks with every man and woman. Through Pastoral Listening and the close presence of our priests, religious, and laity, we continue to offer spaces for emotional relief, affective containment, and spiritual strength.
We express our deep gratitude to every person, family, and institution that, with their valuable contribution, makes it possible for this work to continue. Every donation and every prayer translates into a tangible embrace from the Church for those who need it today.
Closing Reflection and Commitment
We offer our special prayers for the eternal rest of all those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and we ask the Lord to grant fortitude, peace, and conviction to those of us who are still journeying through this arduous trial of life.
“We press on, united in the Love of the Sacred Heart.”
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
La Santa Cruz Parish (Propatria)
Date: August 4, 2026
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Jul 31, 2026
GRIEF, FAITH, AND HOPE
The Response to the Seismic Tragedy in Venezuela
BY BRO. DEIBY FUENMAYOR, MSC • CARACAS, JULY 30, 2026
Since that fateful June 24th, when a devastating double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 violently shook Venezuelan territory, the country was plunged into one of the darkest hours of its recent history. In a matter of seconds, thousands of lives were cut short, hundreds of buildings and infrastructure collapsed, and the map of entire communities was altered forever. Today, weeks after the disaster, physical and emotional wounds continue to bleed; grief and anguish remain deeply rooted in the heart of a people trying to rise from the rubble.
THE OPEN WOUND: THE GRIEF OF LOSS AND THE RELENTLESS SEARCH
The toll of material damage and human loss is heartbreaking. Thousands of men and women have known no rest: with hands worn by dust and despair, they continue through the rubble desperately searching for the bodies of their loved ones. For these families, the priority is not merely rebuilding walls, but the urgent human and spiritual need to recover their deceased to grant them a Christian burial, honor their memory, and find solace amidst immense suffering. The uncertainty of this prolonged search keeps entire communities in a constant vigil of mourning and lamentation.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE MISSIONARY CHARISM: A BEACON OF CHARITY AND LIVING PRESENCE
In the midst of this devastating panorama, the Catholic Church has played a fundamental role of accompaniment, consolation, and assistance. As the Church, and especially through our mission as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we have assumed a prominent and vital role in walking alongside the suffering people. Our fundamental mission in these critical hours has been to reveal and make felt that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not a distant devotion, but a living reality beating right in the midst of every man and woman struck by this tragedy.
Jesus Christ is not indifferent to this concrete reality; He is deeply imprinted in the innermost core of every person. We are moved by the certainty that Jesus walks with His people, suffers with those who suffer, and sustains the weak. Through Caritas, diocesan pastorals, and the missionary presence on the ground, the ecclesial structure has deployed a comprehensive response:
- Emergency Material Care: An untiring logistical response has been maintained, distributing food, essential medicines, drinking water, and temporary shelter tents to thousands of families who lost everything.
- Pastoral Listening and Emotional Support: Beyond physical aid, we understood that soul sorrow required a healing presence. Listening pastoral teams, religious brothers, sisters, and priests walk daily among those affected, lending their ears, shoulders, and comfort to those facing grief and distress.
«We do not walk alone; the Sacred Heart of Jesus beats amidst the ruins and reminds us that in every tear, in every search, and in every embrace, He is present, walking firmly alongside His people.»
COOPERATION AND PRESENCE IN TEMPORARY CAMPS
Thanks to continuous and respectful dialogue between Catholic Church representatives and state officials in charge of temporary shelter camps, permanent spaces for spiritual and human accompaniment have been established within these centers. This collaboration has ensured a dignified space for:
- Prayer and Sacramental Life: Gathering places where believers celebrate the Eucharist, find strength in the sacraments, and experience the closeness of a loving God.
- Open Accompaniment Without Distinction: Pastoral closeness and the embrace of the Sacred Heart know no boundaries or exclusions. Every person, regardless of creed or background, who needs to be listened to, comforted, or sustained in their grief is welcomed. Walking alongside the wounded, camping next to the unprotected, searching for the missing, and praying over the rubble has been the living testimony of a faith expressed through action. As reconstruction efforts continue, the selfless presence of the Church and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart remains a beacon of hope, reminding all of Venezuela that the loving presence of Jesus walks steadfastly alongside His people.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor • Missionary of the Sacred Heart
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Please click to view the full PDF
