Among the hardest-hit areas is the State of La Guaira, about 20 kilometres from Caracas. According to official figures released by the Ministry of People’s Power for Communication, the disaster has claimed 1,943 lives, injured more than 10,500 people, directly affected over 22,000 residents, and left hundreds of buildings destroyed or severely damaged.
A nationwide network of solidarity
In response to the emergency, the Salesians and members of the Salesian Youth Movement have organised an extensive solidarity campaign, supported by Salesian schools, educational communities and works throughout the country.
On 1 July, volunteers began delivering assistance to the most severely affected communities. Before setting out, they gathered at the Provincial House for a moment of Eucharistic Adoration, praying for those who lost their lives, the injured, and the many families whose lives have been turned upside down by the earthquake.
The prayer service also served as a moment of spiritual preparation for those about to serve amid such suffering. At its conclusion, Fr Jorge Elías Ghazal, Provincial of the Salesians in Venezuela, encouraged the volunteers with words of faith and hope.
Discovering hope in the midst of suffering
Reflecting on the mystery of suffering, Fr Ghazal acknowledged that some events remain beyond human understanding. “There are things for which we will never have an answer. Here we simply see the Cross.”
At the same time, he urged the young volunteers not to be overwhelmed by pain, but to recognise God’s presence even in the darkest moments. “In the midst of all this, let us look to the future with hope. I am convinced that something good will come from this. From the Cross, God gave us the life of the Resurrection. God wants to tell us something at this moment.”
The Provincial also highlighted the extraordinary solidarity that has emerged throughout Venezuela during the emergency, with countless civic, ecclesial and institutional initiatives supporting those in need. “Look at how much solidarity there is.”
Addressing the volunteers directly, he encouraged them to live this mission as a genuine encounter with God through service to those who suffer. “Live this moment as an experience of God in the midst of pain. He is beside us, even when God seems silent.”
Recalling the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm, he added: “God is with us in the midst of this difficult trial.”
Finally, he reminded the young people where the strength to persevere comes from: “He is the source of life, peace and serenity. It is God who will give you the strength to live this experience.”
Hope becomes service
Following the prayer, the volunteers sorted and prepared donations received from Salesian schools and communities across the country before setting out in teams to different assistance centres. They distributed hot meals, medicines, drinking water and essential supplies to families who had lost everything.
As Fr Ghazal observed, this response reflects a twofold expression of solidarity: the generous mobilisation of thousands of Venezuelans helping their fellow citizens, and the support received from international organisations and friends around the world.
Through this commitment, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement and the Salesians of Venezuela once again give concrete expression to Don Bosco’s charism by standing alongside young people and the most vulnerable, offering companionship, relief and hope.
Amid rubble, grief and uncertainty, their witness remains clear: hope stays alive when it is transformed into service. Sustained by faith, they continue their mission with the certainty that God walks with His people, even in their darkest hour.
Click here to join hands with the Salesians for the relief works in Venezuela.
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