Venezuela: Pontifical Missions Societies organise events to bring joy and hope to shelters in Caracas and La Guaira

To mark Children’s Day, the Pontifical Mission Societies organised activities centred on recreation, listening and the celebration of faith in communities still living in temporary shelters.

The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Venezuela continue to support families affected by the earthquakes of 24 June, demonstrating the Church’s closeness through events offering entertainment, a listening ear and spiritual support in various shelters across the central region of the country.

A morning to bring back smiles

The first event took place on Friday at a shelter for those affected in the city of Caracas, in partnership with the Association for Popular Education (APEP), where families who lost their homes following the earthquakes are currently staying.

To mark Children’s Day, recreational activities, cooperative games and team-building exercises were organised for the youngest children. At the same time, spaces were created for young people and adults to be listened to and supported, allowing them to share their experiences, concerns and hopes in an atmosphere of warmth and trust.

More than just a recreational event, the day sought to remind each family that the Church stands by their side, supporting them in their journey of human and spiritual recovery.

The mission also reached La Guaira

The second day took place on Sunday in La Guaira, where visits were made to various shelters for those affected to share lunch and enjoy moments of entertainment and activities with the children.

In the community of Los Corales, a Mass was celebrated, presided over by Father Ricardo Guillén, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Venezuela, who invited those present to keep hope and trust in God alive, even amidst the difficulties many families are facing.

Yesenia Quintero, national secretary of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood, emphasised that the presence of the Pontifical Mission Societies in these settings aims to remind every child that they are not alone.

“Amidst this reality, the Pontifical Mission Societies are present to accompany the children, who also need that ray of hope that Jesus wishes to give them. Our mission is to remind them that, even in the midst of suffering, God continues to walk with them.”

A mission that listens and accompanies

The Pontifical Mission Societies emphasise that these events form part of the ongoing support the Church has been providing in reception centres to those affected, where, in addition to meeting material needs, it seeks to offer emotional, spiritual and community support.

Sister Adianez Fuenmayor, diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Mérida, who decided to remain in La Guaira after personally experiencing the tragedy, commented: “I lived through the earthquake here with my family. We rescued my cousin, who sadly passed away, and we found my nephew alive after four days and eleven hours. I have stayed here as a missionary to accompany and embrace our people.”

“Bringing a gift, sharing a simple meal or simply being there restores joy and strengthens the hearts of those who have lost so much,” she said.

Through play, listening, prayer and spending time together, the missionaries seek to help heal the invisible wounds left by a tragedy, especially in children, who need to rediscover safe spaces where they can smile, share and dream again.

Through these initiatives, PMS Venezuela reaffirms that the mission is also present where suffering strikes hardest, bringing the comfort of the Gospel and reminding us that hope always finds ways to be reborn.