When disaster hits, Claretians take action. From the earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Claretian Missionaries here, and around the world, work tirelessly to ease the suffering of those impacted.
“The earth may shake. Our faith, fraternity, and hope—do not.” – Fr. Luis Armando Valencia, CMF, Provincial Superior, Colombia-Venezuela
Once again, we ask for your prayers. The epicenter of the most devastating earthquake in Colombia’s history struck the village of San José del Palmar and nearby cities. Tremors were felt as far as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama. Hospitals, schools, churches, and homes were reduced to rubble. In the face of immeasurable loss, God’s love continues to comfort and uplift.
Your contribution can make a difference:
Claretians in action in Columbia
Right now, in Colombia, damage to buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, access roads, homes, and public spaces has been reported in various locations, as well as to Claretian parishes, educational facilities, and other works of the Congregation. Assessments are currently ongoing in Chocó, Cali, and Pereira, where some of our Claretian communities and projects have sustained significant damage. These include the new campus at Uniclaretiana (Claretian University) in Quibdó; the church and rectory of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro and the Santa Dorotea School in Cali; and the Claret Parish in Pereira, as well as the Claret Parish in Pereira, whose structure has sustained particularly severe damage.
“As a missionary family, we want to stand with the people, accompany them in their pain, and help them gradually regain their security, dignity, and hope.” – Fr. Valencia
If you’d like to donate to the relief efforts, please use this link:
Your support in action in Venezuela and Ukraine
In Venezuela, thanks to your prayers and more than $12K dollars in support, our relief efforts are transforming lives. On the night the earthquake struck, both of our Claretian parishes, close to the epicenter, threw open their doors to offer shelter and solace to anyone forced from their homes. The next day, and the days that followed, parish youth groups and volunteers prepared hundreds of meals and delivered them to anyone in need. And now, as heartbroken families embrace the hard work of rebuilding, our Claretian brothers are walking beside them, nourishing their faith and restoring hope.
In Ukraine, thanks to your prayers and more than $30K in support since the war began, ten humanitarian aid shipments have delivered nearly 14 metric tons of food, along with much-needed clothing, diapers, cleaning supplies, and even five refrigerators. From villages near the front line to refugees in neighboring Poland, our Claretians brothers and their parishes are getting aid where the need is greatest. A recent candy drive at one Claretian parish brought immense joy—and a taste of sweetness—to over 300 Ukrainian children.
Standing in solidarity, together
Following in the footsteps of our founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, we are called to be “the arms of Mary,” to make the infinite mercy of God known through our faith and our actions. Today, in Colombia, Venezuela, and Ukraine, your prayers are spreading that compassion and love to all God’s people.
“Buildings can be rebuilt; our primary mission is to help people and communities get back on their feet.” – Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, Superior General, Claretian Missionaries
Thank you for your prayers.
If you’d like to donate to the Claretian relief efforts, please use this link:
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