The Hospitaller Solidarity Mission, launched by the Hospitaller Sisters after the earthquake that struck Venezuela on 24 June, continued throughout September with new opportunities for listening, spiritual accompaniment and closeness to the communities most affected.
Consecrated life
On 7 September, Sisters Ana Lucía Castro and Lucy Campos, together with Carlos Daniel Polo, a collaborator from Clínica La Inmaculada, met with Sister Maribel Marquina, secretary of CONVER (Conference of Religious of Venezuela) of the Archdiocese of Caracas. She highlighted the most urgent needs of consecrated life in the country and proposed organising a listening workshop to accompany them.
Meeting with the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Parish Community
The team then met with the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Parish Community in Tanaguarena (La Guaira), where, following the earthquake, many families had been dispersed and several members of the community had died.
The parish priest, Fr. Gilberto Parica, together with the Vincentian Sisters, organised a psycho-spiritual gathering that also served to reopen the parish and bring the community together. The meeting was structured around four moments: recognising the material ruins of the church and its surroundings; becoming aware of the feelings arising from the loss; consolation and mutual support; and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, experienced with particular intensity. Clinical psychologist Carlos Polo also provided support to those who needed it.
Meeting with volunteers
At the invitation of Brother José Daniel (OH), a meeting was held with 16 volunteers from San Juan de Dios Paediatric Hospital, with the aim of strengthening their vocation to service. The workshop combined experiential activities with the reading of biblical texts centred on Jesus’ encounters with the sick.
Day in Los Corales
In Los Corales (La Guaira), the team travelled with a medical group to provide care at the home of an evangelical family. A camp was also organised for around 60 children, with painting workshops and games to help them express what they had experienced during the earthquake.
Meeting in Catia La Mar
In Catia La Mar, together with Fundación Don Bosco, Fundación Juan Ciudad and Badesco, an Eucharistic celebration and a spiritual workshop were held with families, while Carlos continued providing psychological support.
Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Brothers and Sisters also took part in the Eucharistic celebration of the Virgin of Coromoto, patroness of Venezuela, held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish together with the community and the Augustinian Fathers.
Every gesture can be a way of accompanying
Solidarity can also be present from a distance. A prayer, sharing this reality, accompanying those who are suffering or making a financial contribution can help sustain this mission and continue bringing hope to affected families.
Donations can be made through:
Bank transfer: ES81 0049 1821 0724 1063 9312
Bizum: 02732
Account holder: FUNDACIÓN BENITO MENNI
Reference: VENEZUELA or COLOMBIA
Donor ID: please provide ID
Telephone: 659566805
Today, more than ever, we are called to make solidarity a concrete presence. Because accompanying is also a way of healing, and being close is a form of Hospitality.
