Natalia Pieśniewska
Salesian Sisters among those in need
Sister Eugenia, in an interview with Fides News Agency, emphasizes that the situation in Venezuela has been difficult for a long time and is gradually worsening. “It is difficult for me to talk about the situation in Venezuela, because this reality is not new. We are witnessing a crisis that, unfortunately, has been growing in our country for some time now,” she says. At the same time, she points out that the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from Greater Caracas do not limit their activities to collecting and distributing donations. “Following Pope Francis’ call, we went out to the most needy to offer them our presence, a listening ear, and concrete help. We do not want to be just a collection point that hands out donations and leaves. We want to meet people, children, accompany them and support them in their needs,” adds the sister.
Eucharist as a source of strength
In this spirit, the sisters visited various neighborhoods and shelters, including Parque del Este, San Martín, La Pastora, Maripérez, and the sports hall in San Bernardino. Each day begins with prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. As they emphasize, it is the Eucharistic Jesus who gives them strength and sends them to be close to those who most need help.
Young people from the Salesian Youth Movement also joined their ministry. Together, they strive to bring hope – they organize playtime for children, meet with families, talk to them, and simply accompany them. As the sisters say, they are met with immense gratitude from the residents.
In the face of tragedy
In some places, aid was already well organized, so the sisters could go where the situation was much more difficult, including Plaza Panteón. As they report, “what we saw there was shocking. Many families had been without any shelter for several days, exposed to the scorching sun and then the rain.” The sisters provided them with mattresses, blankets, and essential supplies. They delivered the donations personally, directly to the affected, to ensure they reached those who needed them most.
The sisters’ next aid destination will be La Guaira. As they emphasize, they want not only to deliver the most needed donations there but, above all, to meet people – to listen to them, encourage them, and show them that they are not alone.
Solidarity of Venezuelans
“We were most touched by the extraordinary solidarity of Venezuelans. Collection points are full of medicines, clothes, and food. Aid flows from both businesses and ordinary people who spontaneously join in helping the affected,” points out Sister Eugenia.
The sisters emphasize that what they have experienced in recent days is deeply moving for them. As they say, they feel they are witnessing a true “miracle of solidarity in Venezuela.” They are particularly touched by the fact that it is the poorest who are the first to rush to help.
As they report, aid is coming from various parts of the country. Recently, two large shipments of donations arrived from Amazonas state, sent by people who themselves suffered from floods. Another shipment arrived from San Cristóbal. “Throughout the country, school communities are organizing collections and sending aid through us, so that it reaches those most in need as quickly as possible,” adds the FMA Provincial Superior.
Thanks and appeal
In conclusion, Sister Maria Eugenia Ramos Rangel thanks everyone who supports the efforts for the affected. “We are deeply grateful for the trust and help shown, which enable us to reach those in need. We will continue to visit the most affected areas and share our activities on an ongoing basis. We thank each one of you. May God reward all the good,” emphasizes the sister.
Humanitarian crisis in Venezuela
Although the tremors are of lesser intensity, they are still felt and further complicate the already very difficult rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the number of victims continues to rise. According to the latest data presented by acting president Delcy Rodríguez during her first press conference after the earthquake, 2,595 people have died and approximately 12,400 have been injured. It is also estimated that tens of thousands of buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many regions lack basic medical care. Rescue teams from Mexico, Jordan, and other countries are working on site.
The situation confirms a serious humanitarian crisis, and frustration among survivors is growing due to the slow pace of aid and reconstruction. Critical voices are also emerging against the Venezuelan authorities, concerning, among other things, ineffective crisis management, arrests related to looting, and shortages of shelter and fuel.
