The Hospital Solidarity Mission in Venezuela continues to accompany people and families affected by the earthquake. This second mission of the Sisters of the General Government continues the presence that began in August and strengthens the support provided to the communities most affected in La Guaira.
Close to families and children
The team reached Los Corales, in Caraballeda, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, where they were able to learn firsthand about the situation of families who have lost their homes and, in some cases, their loved ones. They also spent time with the children who are currently living in tents set up in the area.
At the school of the Adoratrices Sisters, the team helped distribute lunches together with Father Jovany, a diocesan priest. Together with Carlos Polo, a clinical psychologist from Clínica La Inmaculada, they held a workshop on the meaning of life, aimed at recognizing personal strengths and promoting gratitude as a resource for facing adversity. The Sisters also held a workshop with the children, using painting to express emotions and feelings and to identify possible needs for specialized care.
Mental health, spirituality and encounter
The mission has also strengthened the connection with consecrated life present in Venezuela. CLAR (Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious) organized a gathering with the men and women religious who collaborate in La Guaira, creating a space for prayer and listening to share the experiences lived through during these days. The gathering concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, experienced with particular intensity in the face of the pain of so many people and of the ecclesial community itself.
During these days, the team also met with Monsignor Carlos Márquez, Auxiliary Archbishop of Caracas, to present the mental health project that the Hospitaller Sisters are developing together with the Brothers of Saint John of God. In Taraguanera, together with the itinerant community of the Vincentian Sisters, the Sisters listened to other affected families and shared a day of prayer and reflection with them. A day of psychology and spirituality was also held for people who attend the consultation services of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Maiquetía, who have set up tents with the support of the International Red Cross. Later, in Playa Verde (La Guaira), the team distributed hygiene kits and accompanied some affected families.
Stories of pain, solidarity and hope
The mission continued with workshops alongside the staff of San Juan de Dios Hospital, which made it possible to hear new stories of pain, but also of solidarity and hope. Among them is the story of Tulio, a coach who trains future football players and who has taken responsibility for Samuel, a 14-year-old boy who lost his entire family in the earthquake and is currently in a coma in the hospital. These stories reflect the reality of many affected families, but also the strength of those who, in the midst of adversity, find ways to support and accompany others.
Every gesture can be a way of accompanying others
Solidarity can also be expressed from afar. A prayer, sharing this reality, standing alongside those who are suffering, or providing financial support 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’s ID number: indicate ID number
Telephone: 659566805
Today, more than ever, we are called to make solidarity a concrete presence. Because accompanying others is also a way of healing, and being close is a form of Hospitality.
