The Immaculate Conception Parish in Guayanilla is surrounded by rubble following its collapse during one of the recent earthquakes that hit Puerto Rico in the new year.
In the wake of a series of earthquakes that have been plaguing Puerto Rico since Dec. 28, and leaving residents without power, shelter and utter fear of recurring quakes and aftershocks, Chicago-based Catholic Extension issued a statement in support of the people of Puerto Rico asking for prayers and financial support to assist in the aftermath. “We’ve seen time and time again in Puerto Rico, in moments of great difficulty and challenge, the power of faith communities in people's hearts and lives," said Father Jack Wall, President of Catholic Extension. “We stand in solidarity once again on the front lines offering our support and comfort to those enduring the terror and destruction of these earthquakes. They need our financial assistance, and they need our prayers.” Because of their longstanding relationships with the dioceses and people of Puerto Rico, Catholic Extension staff maintains extremely close contact with sisters, priests and bishops on the ground, receiving prayer requests, pleas for help and daily updates, many of which can be seen on Catholic Extension’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/catholicextension. Catholic Extension has an extensive history of working with the six dioceses of Puerto Rico, providing about $1 million annually to support church construction and ministry. The organization is seeking donations to help with pastoral needs to ensure the Church’s optimal response to the many Puerto Ricans affected by the earthquakes. For more information, https://www.catholicextension.org/relief