In moments when Colombia faces the consequences of the earthquake that struck several areas of the country, the Ecuadorian Church wanted to be present through closeness and prayer. The Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference (CEE) expressed on August 11 its solidarity with the victims and with all the communities that are living hours of uncertainty after the earthquake recorded on Monday, August 10.
The statement indicates that the earthquake caused human losses, injured people, affected families, and material damage, with special impact in Chocó, the Coffee Axis and the Cauca Valley. In light of this reality, the Ecuadorian bishops expressed their “deep closeness, solidarity, and fraternal communion” with the Colombian people.
As a horizon for this moment of pain, the CEE recalled the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Wherever pain is deep, the hope that arises from communion must become even stronger”. An expression that, for the Ecuadorian Church, takes on a special meaning in the face of a tragedy that once again puts entire communities to the test.
Prayer that embraces those who suffer
The bishops of Ecuador raised their prayers for those who have passed away, for their families and for the injured, but also for those who remain missing and for the families who have lost their homes.
The message extends this prayer to those on the front lines of the emergency: rescue teams, medical personnel, pastoral agents, volunteers, and those participating in humanitarian assistance efforts.
The Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference also wanted to send a particular greeting to the Colombian Episcopal Conference, presided over by Monsignor Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, Archbishop of Cartagena, as well as to the bishops of the affected ecclesiastical jurisdictions. It also recognized the presence of priests, religious men and women, pastoral agents, Caritas volunteers, and faithful who remain alongside the affected communities, offering support, service, and hope in the midst of the emergency.
Two peoples united beyond a border
The solidarity expressed from Ecuador also has a shared history. The CEE recalled that Ecuador and Colombia maintain ties that go beyond the geographical border: a common history, family relationships, cultural bonds, and a shared tradition of faith.
The Ecuadorian bishops also pointed out that their own country knows the pain caused by the earthquakes and the strength that solidarity can gain when a community faces an emergency. From that experience, the Ecuadorian Church assured its spiritual accompaniment to the Colombian people and dedicated special attention to Colombians living in Ecuador, whose families may be going through moments of anguish due to the situation of their loved ones.
For these communities, the episcopal message recognizes a wait marked simultaneously by uncertainty and the hope of reuniting with their family members safe.
Solidarity also becomes action
The Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference invited the faithful to incorporate the prayer for Colombia into liturgical celebrations and to remain attentive to the aid initiatives that may arise.
The call includes a recommendation of special importance in emergency situations: that any humanitarian collaboration be channeled through safe means and in communion with the Church.
In this way, the response proposed by the Ecuadorian bishops unites two dimensions: the prayer for those who suffer and the willingness to accompany the aid actions that may develop.
Colombia, under the protection of its saints
The bishops entrusted the Colombian people to the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, patroness of Colombia. They also invoked Saint Laura Montoya and Saint Peter Claver, figures linked to the history of faith and service to the most needy people in Colombian territory.
Through this prayer, the Ecuadorian Church asked the Lord for strength for those who are going through pain, comfort for the families who mourn their loved ones and hope for those who, in the midst of the emergency, continue working to save lives and rebuild what was lost.
SOLIDARITY WITH OUR COLOMBIAN BROTHERS.pdf
Cover photo: OFM
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