Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in Venezuela, through Caritas Venezuela, has made an appeal to solidarity for those brethren suffering from the results of the recent heavy rains that have hit the country, especially the capital city of Caracas, where they have left serious damages to the infrastructure and many people have lost their homes. There have been at least 9 deaths and over 4,300 people affected, in addition to mudslides, road blocks, and the collapse of several highways.
“The Venezuelan people have always been a people of solidarity,” the statement from Caritas says, “and this is an occasion to reaffirm this charitable sensitivity that we are known for, and contribute in the alleviation of the sufferings and needs that are now affecting us.” Thus, Caritas makes an appeal to the Venezuelans, asking for their help and collaboration “within their possibilities, so as to send aid to the communities and thus contribute to meeting the needs and resolving the difficulties of those that suffer today: men, women, and children.”
In order to channel this aid, Caritas has placed two groups in motion, one for collection and the other for distribution, through donations to Caritas Venezuela and through collection sites (parishes, etc.).
The Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, encouraged the faithful to collaborate with the victims of the rains that have hit the capital and other parts of Venezuela, and announce that a collection would be held this coming weekend. In the statement, the Cardinal told the “Catholics of the Caracas metropolitan area to show their generosity, supporting our suffering brethren, with the donation of clothing, blankets and sheets, household items, and non-perishable food.”
He also encouraged them to “collaborate economically with our brothers, offering their contribution in the “Help Your Church” collection that will be held in all the parishes this coming weekend, November 20-30.”
Finally, he invited the Venezuelans to “take an active part in the regional elections that will be held this Sunday,” and asked them to pray “for our country, and especially for our suffering brethren, in particular for those who lost their lives in the flooding and for their families.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2008)
