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 recent updates from Br Deiby, following news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
Being Present and Accompanying: The Living Spirituality of the Sacred Heart in the Cry of La Guaira
Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, alongside Cáritas Caracas, visits the areas affected by the recent double earthquake in La Guaira State to offer closeness, active listening, and humanitarian relief.
As part of his fraternal visit to the community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela, the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, dedicated a deeply moving and meaningful day to La Guaira State, accompanied by Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC (Cáritas Caracas). This presence reaffirms the living essence of Sacred Heart spirituality, which inspires and drives every missionary to keep an ear attentive—not only physical, but deeply spiritual—to hear and embrace the cry of the people suffering the consequences of the devastating double earthquake of last June 24.
Fraternal Dialogue with the Diocese of La Guaira
Fr. Joe McGee, MSC, alongside Monseigneur Pablo Modesto González Pérez at the Cáritas La Guaira facilities.
During this fraternal encounter, a profound dialogue took place with the Bishop of the Diocese of La Guaira, Monseigneur Pablo Modesto González Pérez, reflecting on the harsh social, humanitarian, and ecclesial reality of the region following the seismic events, while strengthening cooperation ties for community relief.
«The pastoral action of accompanying is not a mere formal gesture, but the living expression of a God who shows compassion, who walks alongside those who suffer, and who transforms presence into genuine comfort and hope for our brothers and sisters.»
Damage Inspection: Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary
Following the episcopal meeting, the delegation visited the facilities of the Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary. This historical ecclesial center suffered severe and irreversible structural damage right after celebrating its 49th anniversary of foundational formation, compromising its physical infrastructure.
The structural deterioration caused by the earthquakes forced the emergency evacuation and relocation of Philosophy and Theology seminarians to the Santa Rosa de Lima Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Caracas.
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Assessment of internal damage and exterior facade of the Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary.
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Assessment of internal damage and exterior facade of the Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary.
During the walk-through of the seminary’s infrastructure, the Father Provincial personally witnessed the collapse of walls, dividing partitions, and academic areas, documenting the structural impacts in order to coordinate potential relief collaborations.
Inspection of collapsed structures within the conference hall and classrooms of the seminary.
Closeness in Emergency: Los Corales Renacer 3 Sector
Next, the Provincial Superior and Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC, visited the community of Los Corales Renacer 3. Going tent by tent, they personally visited families who, more than three months after the seismic crisis, remain sheltered in makeshift conditions facing severe vulnerability.
Fraternal visit among the shelter tents in the Los Corales Renacer 3 sector
During the visit, they listened attentively to moving personal stories and directly distributed personal hygiene kits and essential items brought in the mission vehicle. This action highlights the urgent need for unconditional support from men and women of faith and goodwill—through Cáritas—to provide food, hygiene supplies, medicine, and comprehensive healthcare while permanent housing solutions are arranged.
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Transportation and direct delivery of supplies to affected families in temporary shelters.
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Transportation and direct delivery of supplies to affected families in temporary shelters.
Active Listening and Community Solidarity
The pastoral presence in Los Corales went beyond material aid to become a space for mutual solidarity and active listening. Very Rev. Joe McGee spent time with local leaders who run community kitchens, a vital initiative ensuring food for children, the elderly, and the sick amid hardships.
Likewise, the Father Provincial carefully noted the requests made by local shopkeepers and families, organizing priorities to coordinate future support and channel international aid through the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart network.
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Engagement with community kitchen organizers and attentive listening to neighborhood needs.
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Engagement with community kitchen organizers and attentive listening to neighborhood needs.
Permanent Commitment to Pastoral Care
This meaningful day of compassion, fraternity, and human warmth took place on Saturday, October 10, just hours before the Provincial Father’s return to Dublin, Ireland. His journey through Venezuela renews missionary zeal and reaffirms that the Church stands firmly alongside its people in times of greatest trial.
Group photo with Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC, and residents of Los Corales Renacer 3.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
October 12th, 2026