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Parish Priest in Caracas: Many people left with unsafe homes
Father Luis García, parish priest of San José Parish in Caracas, describes the hardships people are facing in the wake of the earthquake in Venezuela. He says the words of Pope Leo XIV “have been a great source of encouragement for all of us.”
By Johan Pacheco
On the morning of Monday, 29 June, just as this interview with Father Luis Antonio García Thomas, parish priest of San José de Ñaraulí Church in north-central Caracas, was getting underway, another strong tremor struck.
“We’ve just had another aftershock here in Caracas,” he said, still shaken by memories of the 24 June earthquake, which has claimed more than 1,400 lives.
“On the one hand, the situation is truly heartbreaking because, as you have seen in the news, the devastation in La Guaira has been catastrophic. It could even be said to be worse than the mudslides of 1999. Here in Caracas, too, the effects have been deeply felt. Many people have been left with homes that are now unsafe, others have lost their lives, and we are facing a situation that no one could have anticipated,” the priest told Vatican News.
At the same time, he highlighted the Church’s response.
“We have been able to respond, we have organised ourselves, and I believe this has also allowed us to put into practice the synodality that we have reflected on, prayed for, and shared throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope,” he said.
“So while this has certainly been a tragic event, because in the recent history of our country – and especially in Greater Caracas, meaning Caracas and La Guaira – we have never experienced an earthquake of this magnitude, it has also enabled us as a Church to mobilise our strengths, not only in providing social assistance but also in evangelisation. We have been able to care for victims spiritually, gather in public squares to pray, celebrate, and worship together, and that has brought us comfort.”
Reflecting on the prayer and solidarity expressed by Pope Leo XIV, Father García said they “have been a great source of encouragement for all of us. The people who have suffered as a result of this disaster have truly felt accompanied and are deeply grateful.”
The parish priest also described the damage sustained by his church.
“The roof of the Coromoto nave collapsed completely, and part of the adjoining side roof also gave way. In addition, one of the bell towers is now almost completely unsupported and could collapse at any moment. This poses a serious risk, not only to the remaining section of the roof but also to the surrounding community.”
Father García concluded by encouraging people to continue living out a spirit of solidarity and prayer.
“Let us continue to be a Church that goes forth. Let us continue to accompany one another and remain present,” he said, explaining that the damage to the church building has become an opportunity to be with people in the streets and public squares, where liturgies are now being celebrated.
“It is the Lord who has sustained our lives, and He will continue to accompany us so that we may all be restored through this process.”
He also stressed the importance of international support.
“If those abroad would like to make a contribution, including financial assistance, we invite them to use the official accounts of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference. That help will certainly reach those who need it most.”
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