Venezuelans in Panama hold mass for earthquake victims, express hope for recovery

In a cathedral adorned with flags, prayers, and shared sorrow, Panama's Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa led a mass on Sunday to remember victims of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Among the attendees was opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, who had been in Panama for several days.

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Today we come with hearts deeply moved by the suffering of a brotherly people.

"Today we come with hearts deeply moved by the suffering of a brotherly people," Ulloa stated at the start of his homily. The mass honored those who lost their lives, the injured, families whose homes were destroyed, and rescue workers toiling amidst grief and devastation. The Archbishop specifically addressed Venezuelans watching from home or abroad, acknowledging the pain of separated families and the enduring hope for a better future.

"Much has been taken and stolen from Venezuela over the years, but its hope cannot be taken or stolen," Ulloa declared. He urged Venezuelans not to let weariness turn into resignation or wounds extinguish their dreams. He reminded them that the Gospel offers not the immediate removal of difficulties, but companionship through them. "He invites us not only to rest in his heart but also to make our hearts a place of rest for others," he said.

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Much has been taken and stolen from Venezuela over the years, but its hope cannot be taken or stolen.

Ulloa emphasized that Panama should be more than just a place of welcome for Venezuelans. "This is also your home; we do not want you to simply feel welcomed, we want you to feel like family," he stated. The Panamanian Episcopal Conference announced that Sunday's collections would be channeled through Cáritas Panamá and Cáritas Venezuela to support affected families.

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He invites us not only to rest in his heart, but also to convert our heart into a place of rest for others.

Machado's presence added significant symbolic weight. She is in Panama after reporting that air travel restrictions prevented her return to Venezuela to assist victims and aid efforts. Leaving the mass, Machado spoke of the "deep pain" Venezuelans are experiencing but affirmed their faith in the country's recovery. "Venezuela will rise stronger than ever, and this pain has united us," she said, also thanking the Panamanian people for their support.

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This is also your home; we do not want you to simply feel welcomed, we want you to feel like family.