Venuezula: 'We ran in fear - Now we bring hope' - Seminarian turns earthquake trauma into mission of mercy

Seminarian Germán Jiménez with fellow earthquake survivor © ACN

Source: ACN

A seminarian who survived the double earthquake that rocked Venezuela has transformed his own fear and grief into a mission helping survivors search for loved ones, care for the displaced and find hope amid tragedy.

Germán Jiménez, preparing to be ordained a priest for Petare Diocese, said the disaster - which has claimed more than 4,400 lives - has shown him that the Church's greatest calling is to be present alongside those who suffer.

The seminarian told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that he was studying in his room at the Saint Rita Seminary in Caracas on 24th June when an emergency alert sounded on his phone and he heard "the noise and nervousness" of his classmates. A bigger deafening sound was two tremors measuring 7.5 and 7.2 which shook the seminary to its foundations.

He said that the tragedy has taught the seminarians lessons they will never forget. He added: "We lived through the earthquake with great anxiety, nerves, and fear… We ran out of the building, worried about what was happening."

Germán said that hours later the seminarians saw "collapsed churches, civic buildings, and homes" in Caracas and La Guaira.

In response they offered their services to help people who had lost their homes and were searching for their loved ones under the rubble.

He said: "I have gone down to La Guaira on three occasions to see reality first-hand - people who still hope to find a loved one alive, others who are simply waiting to locate their remains."

Together with his seminary classmates he distributed food, mattresses, clothes and medicines, but said his priority has been "for people to feel that the Church is with them", and for the Church to stop to "listen, give a hug, a smile".

Germán said he was experiencing how "God makes Himself present in the midst of these circumstances, Although we are not priests, they see us as representing the Church and Christ.

"For people to embrace us and seek comfort in us is a sign that the Church must be present without publicity or expecting anything in return. It also reminds them that there is a God who loves them, a God who cares for them.

"The mission is not so much about doing, but about being. The work has been just that - being present among the people and making the Church present in their midst."

Germán said he found refuge in the Gospel, particularly the passage where Jesus calmed the storm and asked his disciples, "Why are you afraid?". The seminarian said: "He is in the midst of the storm with us."

He told ACN the earthquake had changed the way he viewed his country, adding: "This tragedy has allowed us to see that we Venezuelans form one single family…the first to go to people's aid were the neighbours themselves, ordinary people. This spontaneous solidarity is a sign of hope for our country."

On Sunday, 12th July, Caracas Archbishop Raúl Biord, celebrated a commissioning Mass for the seminarians who, having finished the academic year, will travel to the areas affected by the earthquake to give pastoral help to survivors.

The prelate said: "This work is going to be hard but is a crucial part of a 'living theology'. Academic formation is important, but so is direct contact with the suffering and reality of the people, an experience that prepares future priests for their mission of serving those most in need."

Germán has requested that ACN benefactors to continue to pray for them. He said: "I want to ask the Lord to grant us mercy in the midst of these times of difficulty. Venezuela has truly suffered for a long time from so many things, but today, especially, I want to pray that peace and tranquillity may reign in Venezuela, and that His presence may also reign in the midst of everything we are going through."

ACN has approved an initial emergency aid package of £86,000 (€100,000) for the dioceses of La Guaira and Caracas. The package supports priests and Sisters helping victims, welcoming displaced families and providing spiritual help.
Venezuelans need your help.

To donate click here: https://acnuk.donorsupport.co/page/FUNPNXENBMB

With thanks to Javier Martínez-Brocal

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org