Medical Mission Sisters in the earthquake zone, Venezuela

Sister Maigualide de Valle Riera arrived safely in Caracas, Venezuela, where she reports that it has been very hard to witness so much destruction and death caused by the two earthquakes.  What sustains her and other Venezuelan people is the tremendous feeling of unity and solidarity that binds them.  

She and other sisters have established a temporary, inter-congregational community, involving: Medical Mission Sisters; Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate; Passionist Sisters; and Oblate Sisters. They are staying at the house of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate and using it as a base to visit various locations affected by the disaster. In particular, they have been helping to find sources of food, clothing and medicine and offering support to people, simply through their presence.  Listening to the many personal accounts of being in the two earthquakes is deeply moving and strengthens their faith.

Sister Maigualide is happy to be accompanied in the small community by two other Medical Missions Sisters - namely, Sister Emma Panizales and Sister Carmen Carmacho.  Yesterday, Sister Emma joined the team, visiting some of the worst hit disaster areas.  Here, lives have been torn apart and there is much loss.

The sisters also have embarked on shaping an action plan, although details of this have not yet been shared. Today, they will join forces with three other congregations, including the Jesuits, to visit an area where there are over 1,000 survivors affected by the earthquakes to assess what they can do to help them.

Other tragedies also continue to unfold in Venezuela; yesterday, heavy rains caused several rivers to overflow, leaving more than 5,000 families affected by flooding.  These rains are also been had an adverse effect on the local population in Barquisimeto, where one of MMS’ communities is located, and the surrounding area. 

There have also been two very strong aftershocks of the earthquake, one measuring 5.2 magnitude and the other, 4.5.

Of course, there are moments when the Sisters feel afraid, but they are trying to overcome their fears. 

They ask us for our prayers in a very difficult time. 

Dear Sister Maigualide, Sister Emma and Sister Carmen, we stand with you and your suffering people.