Church in Colombia Prays and Mobilizes to Help Those Affected by Major Earthquake

The Colombian Bishops’ Conference has expressed deep concern for those affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 10. In an official statement, the bishops called upon “all the faithful to support them through prayer and solidarity.” The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the San José del Palmar subdistrict in the department of Chocó, and tremors were felt in at least the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca, as well as in the capital, Bogotá.

According to initial government reports, 111 people lost their lives and 87 were injured. Additionally, 1,575 homes were damaged, 37 were completely destroyed, and 61 buildings collapsed. Six airports were affected, with one suffering significant runway damage. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Associated Press reported at least 180 deaths and 2,500 injuries, with thousands still missing.

In response to this tragedy, the bishops’ conference prayed that Christ would strengthen the hearts of the victims and “grant them solace and hope, and accompany those involved in medical attention and rescue efforts.” In a social media post, the bishops urged: “Let us lift up with one voice a fervent prayer for Colombia; let us put into practice the charity of Christ toward our brothers and sisters, especially in these moments of suffering. May our prayer and closeness also be a sign of hope.”

In a formal message published on its website, the bishops’ conference reiterated its call for solidarity, emphasizing “that no one can face an emergency of this magnitude alone.” The statement continued: “Colombia is called upon, once again, to recognize itself as one family and to respond to the suffering of its brothers and sisters with generosity and solidarity.” The prelates announced that they would soon share specific ways for the faithful to provide aid.

Catholic Organizations Mobilize to Provide Aid

To assist those affected, various Catholic organizations have activated their emergency protocols. Food banks in the archdioceses of Bogotá and Bucaramanga have launched appeals on social media for monetary donations and packaged food. The Colombia office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has also encouraged contributions, stating, “because when everything seems to be tottering, the Church remains.”

This story was originally published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.