A strong earthquake struck Colombia on August 10. Today, thousands of families are facing the consequences of this tragedy, and the Church stands by their side offering support, providing shelter, and bringing hope.
Colombia needs help. The Church is already there.
+304
People have lost their lives
4.548
People were injured
500
Missing Persons
267
Collapsed Structures
When everything is shaking, the Church stands firm.
Even before much aid arrives, parishes, priests, religious sisters, and communities are already standing by those who need it most. There, they find a place of welcome, a word of comfort, a helping hand, and enduring hope.
That is why, at Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), we will remain in constant contact with the bishops of the affected dioceses to identify the most urgent needs and respond where aid is most needed.
Emergency aid will be delivered through the Church, so that it can continue to support affected families and serve as that first refuge for those who are currently facing this difficult situation.
The aid is earmarked.
Two concrete measures to ensure that aid reaches isolated communities and the affected dioceses.
Emergency Assistance for the Transport of Humanitarian Aid
Support for the transport of humanitarian aid by river and land to communities affected by the earthquake.
Emergency Aid for Communities in the Dioceses
Emergency aid to address the most urgent needs of the communities supported by the Church.
Three dioceses. One mission: to leave no one behind.
Our emergency response is focusing particularly on three areas:
Quibdó
The Diocese of Quibdó is supporting communities deeply affected by the earthquake and its aftermath.
Istmina-Tadó
Very close to the epicenter, the Diocese of Istmina-Tadó is facing significant property damage and continues to support its communities.
Buenaventura
The Church also stands with the affected communities in Buenaventura, offering support and pastoral care.
In these dioceses, the Church has not left. Even when its own facilities have been damaged, priests, religious sisters, and communities continue to reach out to those in need.
Their temples were damaged. Their mission remains.
In several places, the roofs of churches have completely collapsed, and parish houses have also suffered severe damage.
But the men and women of the Church are still there.
They have emerged from the rubble to stand alongside their people, to listen to the cries of those who have lost everything, to offer a word of comfort, to lend a helping hand because the Church’s mission does not stop when the earth trembles.
The Church endures.
And today, it needs us to continue standing alongside the affected families.
ACN stands with the Church in Colombia
Every donation can help strengthen the Church’s response in the hardest-hit communities. The funds raised will be allocated to the dioceses of Quibdó, Istmina-Tadó, and Buenaventura, so they can direct them to the places and people who need them most. Your help can reach where it’s needed most.
An ACN team is traveling to the affected areas to meet with the communities, hear their stories firsthand, and learn about their most urgent needs.
Temple of Virginia Risaralda
“Thank you for loving us so much.”
That’s what he said when he found out we were going to visit them in the midst of this tragedy
We want to strengthen the Church's response
At Aid to the Church in Need, we are attentive to the needs that arise in the affected communities. As the most urgent needs are identified and the necessary responses are coordinated, ACN will be able to deliver emergency aid through the Church, strengthening the work of priests, religious sisters, and communities who are supporting those affected.
ACCOMPANY
Support the communities that remain close to those affected.
REPLY
To help meet urgent needs wherever possible through the Church.
SUPPORT
To help ensure that the Church's pastoral mission can continue even in the midst of the emergency.
You can also help by praying
In these early hours, let us come together in prayer for Colombia.
- Pray for those who have been injured.
- Pray for the affected families.
- Pray for those who have lost their homes.
- Pray for the priests, religious sisters, and volunteers who are supporting their communities.
«Lord, be with Colombia in this time of sorrow. Protect those who have been affected by this earthquake, strengthen their families, and give hope to those who face uncertainty today.
Amen.»
When the earth trembles, the Church stands firm.
Today, Colombia needs solidarity, prayer, and hope. Help us strengthen the Church’s mission so that it can continue to stand by those who need it most.
A Pontifical Foundation with worldwide reach
“A missionary never stops dreaming; he never loses hope. He places his trust in two pillars: in God and in the benefactors who, through their charity, make the miracle of the mission possible in the most forgotten corners of the world.”
Pope Leo XIV
Contact
Aid to the Church in Need
ACN Global Office
Contact:
+57 315 6444759
info@acn-global.org
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