Venezuelan Church Struggles After Earthquakes Claim Thousands of Lives

The aftermath of the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 continues to echo through the nation, leaving communities grappling with profound loss and devastation. As the country attempts to recover, the human toll is staggering, with at least 4,500 casualties and thousands more still unaccounted for. Additionally, 16,700 individuals sustained injuries in the disaster.

One of the hardest-hit areas is Ciudad Chavez, where the Catholic parish of St Oscar Romero has been severely impacted. Father Alfredo Bustamante, the parish priest, shared with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) the extent of the tragedy, stating, “This was a young parish, but it has been practically destroyed. Around 80 percent of the faithful have died. We lost entire families, grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. Only four members of our choir survived, and I lost four of my altar servers. It has been hell.”

In the face of such overwhelming loss, local clergy have been working tirelessly to provide support and solace, despite their own personal grief. Father Daniel Acosta, who lost his home and several close friends, expressed the challenging emotions faced by many, saying, “So many people, so many friendships gone. It hurts badly when you realise that somebody you knew your whole life has gone, after years of sharing everything with them.” He emphasized the clergy’s role in offering counsel and support to those who have lost not only loved ones but also their livelihoods.

Survivors of the earthquakes are turning to faith for comfort. During a memorial service, Bishop Pablo Modesto encouraged those who lived through the disaster to find purpose in their survival. He remarked, “But in the end, it’s the miracle of why we made it but others didn’t. It’s difficult to understand, but these are things we need to ponder in our hearts – like Mary. And to realise that if God gave us the gift of life – and it was a gift – it is so that we can live in service to others and not just give up. The question is not why I am alive, but what for.”