Our second collection at both parishes on July 25 and 26 will benefit relief operations in Venezuela following the earthquakes that occurred on June 24, 2026. The Vatican News reported this week that “National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez says the official death toll is now 5,208, while more than 16,000 have been injured. This will rise, but the full extent of loss of life won’t ever be totally calculated.”
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Below are excerpts from a letter from Archbishop Richard G. Henning
Noting the immense suffering and loss of life occurring in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, Archbishop Richard G. Henning has asked parishes to consider taking up a special collection to aid relief efforts.
The Catholic Church, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church “to quickly deliver emergency shelter, food, safe water, medical care and other critical relief to those affected.” CRS reports that “Buildings collapsed, homes and essential infrastructure were damaged, and thousands of people have been left without safe shelter. Even as the full extent of the damage is still emerging, Catholic parishes have opened their doors to shelter displaced families and provide emergency assistance.”
The Archbishop said, “the Archdiocese of Boston has an extraordinary track record of helping our brothers and sisters in need both here in the United States and around the globe. Parishioners have helped the Church respond in the past to hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes. At this difficult moment, we especially hold close our Venezuelan brothers and sisters here in Boston who may be anxiously awaiting news of family and friends back home.”
Archbishop Henning said, “through the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, may God grant strength, comfort, healing, peace and hope to all during this difficult time.”