Following an earthquake on the night of July 18 in Junín, Peru, that left at least five people dead, a statue of the Virgin Mary remained intact even as the roof and part of the façade of St. James the Apostle parish church collapsed.
Speaking from the scene, Father Henry Díaz described the extensive damage to the church, reported by RPP’s Rotafono.
“A large part of the church nave has collapsed. You can see huge cracks everywhere and roof tiles that have come loose. The high altar collapsed into the rubble. The statue of the Virgin remains intact,” the priest recounted.
“The Viceroyalty-era altars have been very damaged. It appears the church tower is leaning slightly backward and to the right,” Díaz noted.
The priest called on the Ministry of Culture and authorities to help rebuild the church, noting that restoration could cost more than 7 million soles (about $2.06 million) and take approximately a year.
July 18 Earthquake
Peru’s bishops offered prayers and solidarity with victims. The earthquake, recorded around 9 p.m., was centered in Chongos Bajo, Chupaca province, in the central Peruvian Andes, 193 miles east of Lima.
The historic Cani Cross, erected in 1534 in Chongos Bajo’s main square, also collapsed.
