Youth of La Guaira gathered three months after the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela to pray, sing, and remember those who were part of their groups, parishes, and pastoral activities. On Saturday, 26 September, young people and families assembled at Plaza Jerusalén in Maiquetía to celebrate the Eucharist and honor the young Catholics who died on 24 June, choosing to remember how they lived rather than the tragedy that ended their lives.
Crystal Olivo, a member of the Youth Ministry and the Diocesan Secretariat for Youth Ministry of La Guaira, experienced this loss firsthand, having lost her two sisters—seventeen-year-old Chantal and eight-year-old Clara—as well as close friends:
“They were people filled with light and life. My little sisters were a living reflection of holiness. Chantal sang in the choir, took part in the youth group and catechesis, and loved researching her faith to show it to the world. Clara was a child of light, colour, and laughter who had overcome health issues from an early age. Shortly before the earthquake, Clara took part in Mass dressed as Our Lady of Candelaria in Caraballeda; she was peaceful, filled with light, and that is how she departed”.
Tributes and living faith among the youth of La Guaira
Crystal’s youth group was deeply impacted, as members lived at ground zero and eight lost their lives. Among them was 18-year-old Nayra, Chantal’s best friend, who had entered the building moments before the quake.
The community also paid tribute to Alejandro, who gave his life to save his girlfriend, and Juancho, who initially joined Church activities through WhatsApp photos and eventually became an altar server. Brothers Eduarlys and Miguel also perished; Eduarlys was remembered for his warm smile and hard work to support his family. Additionally, José from Maiquetía was remembered for his constant readiness to go on missions.
Crystal reflected on the purpose of the Maiquetía gathering:
“We do not remember them for the tragedy, but for the infinite light of their souls”.
“What you do to pass on faith in God is what you leave behind in the hearts of others. That is what they did: they left their souls imprinted on the hearts of everyone around them”.
Since the earthquake on 24 June, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has accompanied the Church in Venezuela in its emergency response, particularly across La Guaira and Caracas, supporting priests, religious sisters, and pastoral workers assisting affected families.
