The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced Wednesday that parishes and Catholic schools throughout Los Angeles county will hold emergency collections during July to aid victims of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.
The collections will support relief efforts following two powerful earthquakes that struck about 100 miles west of Caracas, causing widespread destruction, displacing thousands of people and damaging homes, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, according to the archdiocese. Thousands of people are feared dead.
“The people of Venezuela need to know that the Church stands with them,” Sabrina Lopez, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said in a statement. “We ask the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to lift them up in prayer and to give generously so that families who have lost so much may find comfort, hope, and the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
The archdiocese also urged parishioners to pray for those who lost loved ones, people who were injured or displaced, first responders, relief workers and the local church serving affected communities.
Funds collected by parishes and schools will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States.
Donations also may be made directly through Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org/donate/venezuela-earthquake.