Venezuelan Catholics gather to pray for earthquake victims, survivors

Father Sergio Rivas, pastor, holds up a Venezuelan flag before Mass begins. Rivas was the main celebrant for a special Spanish language Mass at St. Mary of the Lake Church on June 28, 2026, to pray for the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake. The Mass intended to unite the community in prayer and hope, asking God's comfort for all those who have lost loved ones, praying for those who have been injured or displaced, and seeking strength for the physical and spiritual reconstruction of Venezuela. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

A young boy holds tightly onto a family member during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

A music minister gestures to the congregation for a response. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Worshippers listen to the homily during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Gisela Chacon and Susan Aldana, holding onto the Venezuelan flag, pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Rivas accepts the gifts. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Rivas prays the Eucharistic Prayer during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Worshippers pray the Our Father during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Rivas holds a Venezuelan flag while praying over people who have family or friends in Venezuela. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Worshippers pray over people who have family and friends in Venezuela. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Gisela Chacon and Susan Aldana hold onto each other while parishioners pray over people that have family and friends in Venezuela at the end of Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Worshippers pray at the end of Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)