Sebastián Sansón Ferrari, ks. Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican City
Thousands of destroyed homes, damaged hospitals, schools, universities, and churches – these are the consequences of the earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10. Cardinal Rueda Aparicio, Archbishop of Bogota, along with four bishops and 80 priests, decided that the Church’s response must primarily be a presence among those who are suffering.
“We asked ourselves: what can we do immediately?” – says the primate. The clergy set out on a fourteen-hour journey to the most affected areas. They divided themselves among Cali, Palmira, Cartago, Buga, and Buenaventura.
Double victims
In the latter town, located on the Pacific coast, the effects of the disaster compounded pre-existing problems: poverty, neglect, and violence by armed groups. Many residents had arrived there earlier, fleeing the conflict.
“They are double victims: first of the armed conflict, and now of the earthquake,” – the cardinal points out.
The primate was particularly moved by the solidarity of the local women. While Masses are celebrated in the streets and under tents, they take care of community kitchens. Before food reaches the other residents, they deliver it to the sick and elderly who cannot leave their homes.
“This female presence, which reaches out, loves, and serves life, is a powerful testimony of faith,” – emphasizes Card. Rueda.
People first
One of the most touching moments was the visit to the partially destroyed church in Buenaventura. For the residents, the loss of the church is particularly painful because many of the churches were built over generations through their labor and small offerings.
However, the primate emphasizes that the order of rebuilding must be clear. First, help must be given to children who have lost their homes, families mourning their loved ones, and catechists and volunteers left without a roof over their heads or jobs.
“The most important thing is to support people and families first. Then God will help us rebuild the churches, seminaries, and rectories,” – he says.
Church under a tent
Some communities will not be able to return to their churches for months or even years. “We will set up a tent, we will arrange a church in a safe place,” – the residents declare.
The cardinal sees this as the image of the biblical Tent of Meeting: homes and churches will have to be rebuilt, but the life of faith cannot stop.
The primate emphasizes that when facing a person who has lost everything, words are not always necessary. “It is the language of an embrace, tenderness, and listening. The answer is not a beautiful theological theory, but the experience of closeness,” – says Card. Rueda.
The Church’s assistance is intended to be long-term: from food, medicine, and shelter to psychological and spiritual support. “We need to rebuild hope,” – summarizes the primate of Colombia.
