The Archdiocese of Boston is encouraging parishes to hold special collections to support humanitarian relief efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have left nearly 1,000 people dead and tens of thousands more injured or missing.
Archbishop Richard Henning asked parishes across the archdiocese to consider taking up a special collection during one of the upcoming weekends through July 17–18. Funds raised will support emergency assistance coordinated by Catholic Relief Services.
According to Catholic Relief Services, the organization is working with Caritas Venezuela and the local Catholic Church to provide emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water, medical care and other essential aid to communities affected by the earthquakes.
The organization said buildings have collapsed, homes and critical infrastructure have been damaged, and thousands of people have been displaced. Catholic parishes in Venezuela have opened their doors to shelter families and provide emergency assistance as relief operations continue.
The Archdiocese said the death toll is approaching 1,000 and is expected to rise, with more than 3,000 people injured and thousands still missing.
Henning said the Archdiocese of Boston has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts in the United States and around the world following hurricanes, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes.
He also acknowledged members of Greater Boston’s Venezuelan community who may be waiting for news about relatives and friends affected by the disaster.
“The size and scope of the crisis is enormous, and the need will only grow in the hours, days and weeks ahead,” Henning said.
Parishioners who contribute to the special collection are asked to make checks payable to their parish and write “Venezuela Relief” in the memo line. Individual parishes will forward the collected donations to the Archdiocese, which will then send the funds to Catholic Relief Services.
Henning concluded by offering prayers through the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, the patroness of Venezuela, asking for strength, comfort, healing, peace and hope for those affected by the disaster.
