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