(ANS – Rome) – Two days after the violent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Chocó and large parts of western Colombia on August 10, the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, expressed his solidarity with the Salesian Family in Colombia through a video message released on August 12 and addressed in particular to Fr. José Ariel Guerrero Castro, SDB, Superior of the Salesian St. Louis Bertrand Province of Medellín, Colombia.
“Dear Fr. Ariel, dear confreres and members of the Salesian Family: At this time of great suffering for your beloved nation, Colombia, I wish to express my solidarity with each and every one of you,” the Rector Major began, noting that the consequences of the earthquake—which caused numerous deaths and injuries, as well as extensive material damage—represent “a challenge for us to demonstrate our solidarity, both human and spiritual.”
In his message, Fr. Attard first asked the Lord to grant eternal rest to those who died, assuring his listeners, on behalf of the Salesian Congregation, that prayers would be offered for the families and for all those affected by the tragedy. He then thanked “all those who, in various ways, are working on the relief efforts, as well as those who are bringing aid to those affected.” “As a Congregation,” he assured them, “we will do everything possible to offer aid that alleviates the suffering and pain that the earthquake has caused and continues to cause,” concluding his message by invoking God’s blessings and Mary’s protection upon the whole of Colombia.
The earthquake, with its epicenter in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, shook much of the country, causing serious damage in various areas of western Colombia. The quake directly affected the Salesian presence in eight municipalities across the country where the Don Bosco mission is active through the educational and pastoral work of the St. Louis Bertrand Province. According to initial figures released by the province, 10 of the 18 Salesian communities in the area have suffered structural damage, affecting facilities built with great dedication to serve young people. Among the most severely damaged sites are the four Salesian works in Cali, the missionary center in Condoto (Chocó), the Salesian College in Dosquebradas, the presence in Tuluá, and the works in Popayán, Ibagué, and the Pedro Justo Berrío Salesian College in Medellín.
The impact on the Salesian mission affects more than 4,000 beneficiaries, including families, students, and hundreds of faithful, whose educational and pastoral activities have been disrupted by the damage sustained. So far, there have been no reports of fatalities among the Salesians, staff, students, and beneficiaries of the province’s educational and pastoral works, while information continues to be gathered on the full extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, the Colombian authorities have updated the overall death toll from the tragedy to several hundred victims nationwide, with thousands injured and missing, making this the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the 21st century.
The Salesian Congregation, through the St. Louis Bertrand Province, has launched a campaign to collect funds and essential supplies—drinking water, first-aid kits, nonperishable food, and personal hygiene items—at its collection centers in Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla to support communities and families affected by the earthquake.
Watch the full video message from Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard
You can support the Salesians in Colombia through the following websites: