Stand in solidarity for Venezuela, with prayer and action

By Fr Stephan Alexander

General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26).

These simple yet profound words of St Paul challenge one of the greatest temptations of our age: the belief that the suffering of others is not our concern. In a world increasingly shaped by division, suspicion, and self-interest, the Gospel reminds us that, through Christ, we belong to one another.

Because we are one Body in Christ, Christians cannot remain indifferent when others suffer, whether they live next door or across the sea. Such love is not optional; it lies at the heart of Christian discipleship.

It is this Gospel conviction that the Church expresses in one of the fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST): solidarity.

The two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 offer a timely opportunity to put this principle of solidarity into practice. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble. Families are mourning their loved ones. Thousands have been injured or displaced, while search-and-rescue teams continue amid ongoing aftershocks. Thousands remain unaccounted for.

Solidarity is often mistaken for sympathy or charitable generosity. While both have their place, the Church calls us to something deeper. As St Pope John Paul II explained in Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, solidarity is “not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress,” but “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good.”

It recognises that every human person possesses equal God-given dignity and that we are responsible for one another. Solidarity therefore moves us beyond merely feeling another’s pain to sharing their burdens and working for their good.

This vision is deeply rooted in Scripture. St Paul exhorts Christians to “weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15) and to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2). These are not invitations to passive concern but to active love.

They remind us that Christian compassion is measured not only by the emotions we experience but by the generosity with which we respond.

The humanitarian needs in Venezuela are immense. According to UNICEF, approximately 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, now require humanitarian assistance. Children are among the most vulnerable. Many have lost their homes. Schools have been damaged or converted into temporary shelters. Access to clean water and healthcare has been disrupted, and countless young people are living with trauma, uncertainty and heightened protection risks, including the risk of human trafficking.

Relief agencies continue to identify urgent needs including emergency shelter, safe drinking water, food assistance, hygiene and sanitation supplies, essential medicines, psychosocial support, child protection services and educational materials to help displaced children regain stability.

These are not luxuries. They are necessities required to protect life and preserve human dignity in the aftermath of a disaster.

For us in Trinidad and Tobago, this tragedy holds particular significance. Venezuela is not simply another country in the international headlines. It is our nearest neighbour, with whom we have shared centuries of history, commerce, culture and family ties.

At a time when nationalism and fear can tempt us to turn inward, the Gospel leads us in a different direction. Our primary identity is not found in nationality but in our belonging to Christ.

Geography may make us neighbours, but faith calls us to recognise one another as brothers and sisters. When one part of the human family suffers, the whole family is diminished.

The Caribbean has long spoken of regional cooperation and shared responsibility; as Christians, we are called to embody those ideals through practical acts of mercy.

Jesus reinforces this truth in His description of the Last Judgement. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Every act of compassion offered to those affected by this disaster is ultimately an act of love offered to Christ Himself.

Our response must begin with prayer. We pray for those who have died, for grieving families, for those still awaiting news of missing loved ones, and for the rescue workers, medical personnel and volunteers labouring under extraordinarily difficult conditions.

Yet prayer alone is not enough. Authentic Christian prayer always opens our hearts to generous action.

St John poses a question every Christian must answer: “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” He immediately issues the challenge, “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 Jn 3:17–18).

Those words are especially relevant today. They remind us that solidarity is not an abstract ideal, but love made visible in concrete acts of generosity. It is how faith takes flesh in the lives of those who suffer.

The CCSJ therefore invites Catholics and all people of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela. Cash donations and essential relief supplies are now being accepted for transmission to those most affected by the earthquakes.

Those wishing to contribute may contact the CCSJ Office to arrange delivery of their donations or leave them at their parish church for onward transmission through the CCSJ relief effort.

By responding generously, we become living witnesses to the Gospel, demonstrating that God’s love is expressed not only in our prayers but also in our willingness to bear one another’s burdens.

In the words of St John, “let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

The CCSJ asks for your support. Please donate:

Catholic Commission for Social Justice

Account #: 290 458 025 501

Bank: Republic Bank Ltd.

or you can contact us at:

admin.ccsj@catholictt.org