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.
The Work Does Not Stop: Accompanying, Listening, and Remaining
«Let us not grow weary of doing good. Behind every box of supplies and every bag delivered lies a human story in need of being heard, a heart seeking comfort, and the firm certainty that they are not alone.»
In the midst of challenging times and the complexities that continue to define the daily life of our communities, the work of love and service in La Guaira State remains steadfast, unwavering, and constant. The reality facing this coastal region continues to be deeply complex and harsh—a reality that every single Venezuelan understands and witnesses firsthand. We are fully aware that aid has diminished significantly in recent times. Yet, in the face of scarcity and fatigue, the Gospel’s response is not withdrawal, but perseverance.
Volunteer Strength and Arduous Work. Young men and volunteers dedicate their physical efforts to loading the relief truck with essential supplies. Thanks to donors and the willingness shared across platforms and communities, we bring hope to the most vulnerable areas of La Guaira.
The work does not stop. It continues day by day through the coordinated efforts of the Catholic Church, parish Caritas teams, non-profit organizations, and, in a very special way, through the infinite generosity of donors and people of goodwill who share their resources so that aid reaches those most in need.
BEYOND MATERIAL AID: THE ART OF ACCOMPANIMENT
Even though streams of external support have decreased, the power of solidarity is not measured by the abundance of excess, but by the willingness to share whatever we have. Every truck loaded and every package prepared represents a daily miracle of faith in action.
Logistics of Love and Hope. Bags of relief provisions organized meticulously by parish Caritas networks. Each package stands as a direct testimony to our unconditional commitment to affected families.
Behind every donation and delivery made to a family, what truly matters is the ability to listen, to be present, and to belong to one another. We are all beloved children of God, who loves us, knows us, and desires that everyone returns to stability.
- TOUCHING HEARTS Continuing in prayer to inspire hearts to share resources with those in need.
- COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE Listening to and welcoming each family within their unique life situation.
- UNCONDITIONAL WORK Persevering effort by the Church and parish Caritas teams without faltering.
- PATH TO STABILITY Walking together toward the integral well-being that God envisions for Venezuela.
Let us continue moving forward. The work carries on, support continues to flow, and we keep walking alongside our brothers and sisters. May solidarity remain our guiding light.
CHARITY AND SUPPORT FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS CONTINUES
PROVINCIAL UNITY AND MISSION IN MARACAIBO
Within the framework of fraternity and pastoral discernment of our congregation, the Community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is gathered in the city of Maracaibo. This meeting benefits from the guiding presence of the Provincial Superior, Reverend Father Joe McGee MSC, and specially incorporates the fraternal participation of Reverend Father Humberto Henriques MSC, Provincial Elect of Rio de Janeiro.
While the leadership and the MSC community are gathered in the city of Maracaibo, all pastoral, social, and charitable action of Cáritas remains fully active and providing its services without stopping for a single moment. Charity takes no breaks: thanks to the commitment of the team of volunteers and laity of the Chevalier Family, our work continues to give daily responses to our brothers and sisters.
“Urged by the love of Christ, we testify that charity does not stop: faith is transformed into concrete service towards the most vulnerable.”
– Community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
KEY OPERATIONAL FRONT
- Organization of Donations: Systematic classification and inventory management of incoming assistance.
- Delivery of Supplies and Food: Direct distribution of essential sustenance to prioritized families.
THE ACTIVE SERVICE OF CHEVALIER VOLUNTEERS
The operational backbone of this work relies on the tireless dedication of the team of volunteers and laity of the Chevalier Family. Closely connected with the MSC community of Propatria, these brothers and sisters have taken on the responsibility of keeping humanitarian assistance operations active.
The work of Cáritas continues to provide comprehensive assistance thanks to this solidarity network. Attention channels via social media and telephone lines remain open daily to respond to requests for medicines, food, and general support.
- Storage and Sorting: Continuous processing and safe storage of donated goods.
- Maternal Care and Supplies: Dedicated attention and provision of essential goods for mothers and infants.
Thanks to the close coordination of this volunteer team, a rapid response to priority cases is achieved, proving that lay fraternity is the pillar that energizes our mission.
GRATITUDE TO BENEFACTORS AND HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
We give thanks to God for the generosity of all benefactors—men and women of deep faith and goodwill. Their donations make possible the timely delivery of essential medical supplies, chronic condition treatments, and crucial pediatric materials.
The pharmaceutical and health management of Cáritas Propatria continuously serves patients with joint, hypertensive, and respiratory conditions, channeling each medication with equity and care.
- Specific Medications: Distribution of specialized pharmaceuticals like Glucon Plus, anti-inflammatories, and chronic care treatments.
- Pediatric Supplies and Equipment: Focused delivery of nutritional supplements and child health items.
DIRECT AND SPECIALIZED HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
Our work extends deeply into cases of critical vulnerability. Through articulation with partners and donors, Cáritas provides complete medical treatments to diagnosed patients, as well as adult diapers, anatomical protectors, and specialized pediatric medication.
Each delivery represents tangible comfort. The faces of the children served and the relief of families are the greatest motivation for our volunteers. We maintain an open channel for incoming requests to ensure aid reaches where it is needed most, quickly and effectively.
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS & VULNERABLE CASES
Within our social care program, we identify specific requirements that extend beyond medication supply. Thanks to Divine Providence and received donations, we successfully deliver home rest equipment and supplies to elderly individuals living in extreme vulnerability.
These distributions directly transform the quality of life of our elderly, providing dignity, comfort, and the certainty that their parish community accompanies and protects them.
“Every gesture of love directed toward our elders reminds us of God’s tenderness toward the most vulnerable.”
PARISH REOPENING AND EXPANSION TO LA GUAIRA STATE
As we fully resume the pace of parish activities and standard Cáritas services starting next Monday, October 12th, we firmly renew our commitment to the most vulnerable. We extend our dedication to listen, welcome, and actively support the communities of La Guaira state, projecting the extension of our social outreach programs.
UNITED IN PRAYER AND FAITH
We continue to count on the prayers, affection, and support of the entire ecclesial community. We ask the God of Life to bless the MSC Community gathered in Maracaibo, strengthen Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Joe McGee MSC, Rev. Fr. Humberto Henriques MSC (Provincial Elect of Rio de Janeiro accompanying us in this time of discernment), and bestow abundant blessings upon all our laity and benefactors.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC