FMI communities affected by the double earthquake in Venezuela.

On June 24, at approximately 6:00 p.m., two simultaneous earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck northern Venezuela, seriously affecting the states of Falcón, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, La Guaira and the Capital District.

FMI communities have been seriously harmed. Most of the lay members of the Family of the Incarnation in La Guaira lost their homes and mourn the death of relatives. Likewise, the Santo Domingo de Guzmán de Tanaguarena (La Guaira) and Nuestra Señora de Lourdes parish temples in Caracas suffered severe structural damage and are at imminent risk of collapse.

During the earthquake, Father Xulio R. celebrated the Eucharist of the Solemnity of St. John. He was preparing to distribute communion.

Father Virgilio G. was celebrating the Eucharist. At the moment he fell and was stung by a swarm of bees that attacked him.

Popular buildings built for the poorest were demolished around the Santo Domingo parish church.

For their part, the FMI priests are safe and well, although deeply distressed to accompany a people who have lost everything. It is estimated that the number of missing exceeds 50,000 people. Tragically, many members of the parish, including choir youth, youth group members, altar boys, catechists, and adults, have been reported dead under the rubble.

In Venezuela, June 24 is a holiday due to the commemoration of the Battle of Carabobo, a gesture that defeated the Spanish royalists and consolidated the nation's independence. For this reason, a large number of people were on the beaches enjoying the holiday at the time of the disaster.

Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, actions to help the victims have not ceased. Thousands of volunteers have mobilized to provide support. Members of the parish of Lourdes are assisting 1,500 refugees who are a few meters from the church, at the headquarters of the Postal Services Center of Venezuela (IPOSTEL).

Likewise, Father Gilberto Parica remains in Tanaguarena outside the temple, providing spiritual and material support to hundreds of victims. The Regional Council has also been visiting the site daily to distribute food, water and medicine to those affected. There are no electricity, water or internet services.

We deeply thank all members of the Family of the Incarnation, and especially the UDJ sisters, for the constant messages of solidarity and support we have received.