62 young people from a small mountain community in Venezuela have been confirmed in an outdoor ceremony, just weeks after their church was destroyed by an earthquake.
The celebratory Mass was presided over by Bishop Pablo Modesto González Pérez of La Guaira, in the square in front of the damaged Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, in the village of Tarmas.
The community of Tarmas is still facing the consequences of the double earthquake that tore through the country on 24 June, with La Guaira being one of the hardest hit areas. The priest had just dismissed the community after Mass and they were closing the doors, when the earthquakes struck and the 18th century church’s roof caved in.
For the confirmation Mass, the altar was set up beside the building and relatives filled the square and nearby side street to take part in the celebration. Other people joined the Mass from the doorways of their homes.
Fr Daniel Acosta, the parish priest, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): “Despite the adversity, the celebration became an experience of unity and perseverance, strengthening community spirit and mutual support.
“Despite the difficult circumstances, and the intense heat, the young people and their families came together in an atmosphere of prayer, joy and hope”.
He added: “During the most emotional parts of the celebration one could feel the strong spiritual connection and the renewed commitment of those who were being confirmed in their faith.
“As the parish priest, I am grateful for having been able to celebrate this important sacrament and I trust that, despite the challenges, the faith of our community will continue to grow and strengthen in Jesus Christ.”
The rectory and parish hall, which had been built with the support of ACN, remained intact, and Fr Acosta has been receiving parishioners there ever since.
The priest told ACN that accompanying the population had forced him to come to terms with his own pain: “In the morning we are filled with the strength of the Lord, the spirit of God, to serve our communities as best we can. But when night comes, the heart shrinks and, since we are only human, tears flow.”
Speaking to the community, Bishop Modesto assured them that the Church will not abandon those who continue to deal with the consequences of the catastrophe, saying: “you are not alone…Our diocese remains firm, active and close to its people. Nothing will stand in the way of our mission.”