In the shadow of disaster, Venezuelan youths confirmed outside quake-damaged church

FORCED from their church by an earthquake two months earlier, 62 youths from a small mountain community in Venezuela gathered outdoors to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

The celebratory Mass was presided over by Bishop Pablo Modesto González Pérez of La Guaira, in the square in front of the damaged Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, in the village of Tarmas. 

The community of Tarmas is still facing the consequences of the double earthquake that tore through the country on 24th June, with La Guaira being one of the hardest hit areas. 

Fr Daniel Acosta, the parish priest, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): “Despite the adversity, the celebration became an experience of unity and perseverance, strengthening community spirit and mutual support.”

The roof of the historic church, which dates to the 18th century, collapsed rendering services impossible.

But the altar was set up beside the damaged church and relatives of those being confirmed filled the square and nearby side street to take part in the celebration.

Other people joined the Mass from the doorways of their homes.

Fr Acosta said that “despite the difficult circumstances, and the intense heat, the young people and their families came together in an atmosphere of prayer, joy and hope”.

He added: “During the most emotional parts of the celebration one could feel the strong spiritual connection and the renewed commitment of those who were being confirmed in their faith. 

“As the parish priest, I am grateful for having been able to celebrate this important sacrament and I trust that, despite the challenges, the faith of our community will continue to grow and strengthen in Jesus Christ.”

When a delegation from ACN visited Tarmas a fortnight after the earthquake, two altar servers, Luis and Alejandro, told them the priest had dismissed the community after Mass, and they were closing the doors, when the earthquakes struck and the church’s roof caved in. 

The rectory and parish hall, which had been built with the support of ACN, remained intact, and Fr Acosta has been receiving parishioners there ever since.

The priest told ACN that accompanying the population had forced him to come to terms with his own pain. 

He said: “In the morning we are filled with the strength of the Lord, the spirit of God, to serve our communities as best we can. But when night comes, the heart shrinks and, since we are only human, tears flow.”

Speaking to the community, Bishop Modesto assured them that the Church will not abandon those who continue to deal with the consequences of the catastrophe. 

He said: “I want to tell each person, each family that is currently going through difficulties and moments of uncertainty, from the bottom of my heart: you are not alone…

 “Our diocese remains firm, active and close to its people. Nothing will stand in the way of our mission.” 

In the days after the earthquake, priests, religious Sisters, seminarians and volunteers took to the streets to help those affected, while liturgical celebrations were moved outdoors.

ACN sent emergency aid to help them assist communities in La Guaira and Caracas dioceses. A foundation delegation has now returned from a second visit to assess a further support package for repairing damaged church infrastructure.

With thanks to by Amélie Berthelin & Maria Lozano