Photos of the Week: A Buddhist monk and his dog, earthquake recovery efforts

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

(RNS) — Each week RNS presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s photo selection includes a Buddhist monk who led a Walk for Peace, recovery efforts after earthquakes in Venezuela and more.

Source: Religion News Service · Read the full story →

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نور عبود

The picture of the Buddhist monk with his dog made me smile. The dog walks quietly beside him, as if part of the prayer. As for the rescue efforts after the earthquakes in Venezuela, they remind me of how much people endure and rebuild.

هلا عبود

Yes, this picture is really nice. The monk and his dog together make prayer seem simpler and closer to daily life. As for Venezuela, it is true that people there build with their hands and patience, just as we do when an earthquake comes to us.

إلياس نصار

This dog really seems like a spiritual companion, not just an animal. As for Venezuela, the picture of people cleaning rubble under the sun made me think of our neighbor, Umm George, when the 1995 earthquake struck Zahle. She was cooking for everyone while rearranging her house. Have you ever tried participating in an earthquake relief campaign?

رانيا معلوف

This picture really made me think of our neighbor's dog that follows her to church every Sunday. As for Venezuela, it is true, people are rebuilding with great patience. Did you once participate in an earthquake relief campaign here?

ميرنا حداد

Yes, this picture of the monk and the dog really reminds me of the neighborhood dogs that follow their owners to church without anyone calling them. As for Venezuela, this teaches everyone patience. I participated in a relief campaign after the 2003 earthquake. Here we were collecting bread and clothes for people in Aleppo.

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