Solidarity and Mission of the Claretian Missionaries of Colombia and Venezuela (SOMI)
With profound sorrow, we witness the consequences of the earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. Thousands of families are now experiencing moments of anguish, grief, and uncertainty as they try to comprehend the magnitude of what has happened and begin rebuilding their lives.
From the Solidarity and Mission (SOMI) team of the Claretian Community in Colombia and Venezuela, we wish to express our closeness to all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones, whose homes have been damaged, or who remain in vulnerable situations.
At this moment, we are deeply moved by the human stories behind this tragedy and inspired by the Gospel’s call to become neighbors to those who suffer.
The most severe damage has been concentrated in La Guaira State and several areas of Caracas, where many families have lost their homes or have been forced to leave them because of the risk of collapse and the continuing aftershocks. Many people have spent the night in open spaces, makeshift shelters, or community refuge centers while awaiting safety assessments and support to begin rebuilding their lives.
Through our Claretian communities present in Venezuela, SOMI continues to closely monitor the situation. Although our missionaries and religious houses are safe, the emergency affecting thousands of families calls for an immediate and compassionate response.
In Caracas, St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish and the Claretian Theology House of Los Chorros have begun providing accompaniment and shelter to those affected, opening community spaces for people who need temporary protection, food, and support during these uncertain times.
As lay collaborators and missionary brothers, we understand that responding to an emergency goes beyond providing material assistance. It also means protecting human dignity, strengthening community networks, and ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to the resources they need to face this crisis.
Children, older adults, women, persons with disabilities, and families living in vulnerable circumstances require special care and attention in the weeks and months ahead.
Today, we invite the entire Claretian Family, our benefactors, friends, Christian communities, and all people of goodwill to transform solidarity into a concrete act of love.
As you read these words, families have lost loved ones, people have been forced to leave their homes, and entire communities are struggling to recover from one of the most painful tragedies of recent years. Faced with such suffering, we cannot remain indifferent.
Every contribution, no matter how small it may seem, can become meaningful assistance for those who now need food, basic household necessities, companionship, and support as they begin to rebuild their lives. When we share who we are and what we have, we bring hope where pain seems to have the final word.
For this reason, SOMI has made the following bank accounts available to receive donations for families affected by the earthquake in Venezuela:
Bank in Colombia
Procura Claretiana
Bancolombia Savings Account No. 002190438-30
Tax ID (NIT): 890981602
Bank in Venezuela
Account Holder ID: 15.862.828
Savings Account
Alberto Cisneros
Account No. 0102-0106-3101-0005-6298
All funds received will be used to support the relief and accompaniment efforts carried out by our communities and partner organizations on behalf of those affected.
May our support be a concrete response to the call of the Gospel. Today, Venezuela needs our solidarity. Today, a family can recover hope because of your generosity.
Fr. Armando Valencia Valencia, CMF
Provincial Superior of the Claretian Missionaries of Colombia and Venezuela