At least 25 of the more than one hundred churches in the Archdiocese of Caracas have been damaged by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. As a preventive measure, most of these temples have moved the celebration of Mass outdoors while the condition of the structures is assessed.
This was explained by the vicar general of the archdiocese, Father Neptalí Balza, in statements to Unión Radio. According to Aciprensa, the disaster has so far left a toll of 4,118 dead and tens of thousands injured and displaced, in addition to significant damage to homes, public buildings, and churches.
The safety of the faithful, the priority
The priest explained that the decision to suspend celebrations inside many churches responds exclusively to safety criteria.
“Most are not celebrating Mass inside the churches and it is being done outdoors for safety reasons. The most important thing, besides the church, are the parishioners. We cannot unnecessarily expose people’s lives,” he stated.
Particularly severe damage in several historic churches
Among the most affected buildings is the Church of San José de Ñaraulí, in the Caracas neighborhood of Cotiza, where one of the naves of the temple completely collapsed.
Also presenting serious structural problems are the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Pagüita, and the attached parish school. Added to these are the Church of Our Lady of Mercy and the Caracas Cathedral, which have also sustained damage of varying degrees.
The archdiocese prepares the recovery of the churches
Balza explained that most of the affected churches have already been inspected by specialized technicians. The initial reports indicate that between eight and ten buildings have structural damage of particular significance.
The archdiocese is already working on restoration projects. The vicar general recalled that several of these churches are protected as national monuments and form part of Venezuela’s historical heritage, which is why he considers it a priority to preserve both the buildings and their cultural and religious value.