Priests from Bogotá brought “Spiritual First Aid” to communities affected by the earthquake

Priests from the Archdiocese of Bogotá visited the communities affected by the August 10 earthquake as part of the “Spiritual First Aid” mission, offering a comforting presence to those experiencing pain, fear, and uncertainty.

The father Mauricio Urbina, director of the Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Bogotá, participated in this mission arriving in the city of Pereira and shared with ADN Celam his experience alongside the affected communities, marked by pain, uncertainty, and the need to feel accompanied. The initiative was called by Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio.

The priest explained that, although each presbyter had pending commitments in their parishes, the emergency led to prioritizing presence with the affected communities. “We believe that this is the mission to which the Lord is calling us at this moment”, he affirmed.

The emergency left behind needs that cannot be measured solely in terms of material losses. In the communities supported by the priests, fear, uncertainty, and the emotional and spiritual pain of those who do not know what lies ahead in the coming days also became evident.

“There are many people affected by uncertainty, insecurity, and fear of what lies ahead—of the future,” explained Father Urbina. Amid these fears, the priests sought to listen, comfort, and reassure the communities that they are not alone.

This closeness was evident during visits to shelters and homes. The priests listened to the stories of the affected families, accompanied the sick, and, in some communities, celebrated the Eucharist and administered the sacrament of Reconciliation.

“The Church is here for you; Jesus Christ will not abandon you,” said the priest. With this message, the priests sought to bring comfort to the families and strengthen their confidence so they could face the reconstruction process with hope.

The experience reaffirmed to the priests that solidarity must continue beyond the initial emergency. Father Urbina noted that, although a significant amount of aid arrives in the first few days, the communities will continue to need support during the weeks and months of reconstruction.

For this reason, Father Urbina encouraged everyone to continue showing this solidarity through prayer, donations to the Archdiocese of Bogotá’s Food Bank, and volunteer work by those who can offer their time and expertise to serve the affected communities.

“What’s important is that we not only be there at this initial stage, but that our assistance continue,” he said. The priest thus called for continued solidarity throughout the reconstruction process, when communities will still need support to recover their possessions and gradually rebuild their lives.

Al regresar a sus comunidades parroquiales, los sacerdotes llevaron consigo el testimonio de una fe que, aun golpeada por el dolor y las pérdidas, mantiene viva la esperanza y la confianza en Dios.

“We return to our parish communities with great comfort,” said Father Urbina. The priest emphasized that, even though they have been devastated by the earthquake, the communities maintain their trust in Jesus Christ and their determination to move forward with hope in the reconstruction effort.

Between August 19 and 22, 80 priests carried out the “Spiritual First Aid” mission in six areas affected by the earthquake: Cartago, Pereira, Cali, Palmira, Buenaventura, and Buga. The call now is to not leave these communities alone and to maintain solidarity throughout the reconstruction process.