Primate of Colombia: Before rebuilding Churches, we must rebuild the people

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Following the earthquake that affected numerous communities in western Colombia, Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, the Primate of the country, tells Vatican News about the "Spiritual First Aid" - a support mission of 4 bishops and 80 priests who set out to accompany the suffering in the impacted areas.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Виктор Кузнецов

Thank you for writing. It’s good that people are supportive at first, and don’t immediately grab the bricks. After the earthquake in Armenia, too, first volunteers went with food and warm clothes, and then went to churches. I wonder what exactly this “spiritual first aid” looks like in place - just conversations or something else?

Νίκος Αθανασίου

The cardinal says it well. First the people, then the buildings. In Greece we also saw it after the earthquakes in Athens and Kefalonia – first water, blankets and a conversation with the pope, then we rebuilt. Really, what exactly are those 80 priests doing over there? Do they share prayers, listen or lend a helping hand?

Στέλιος Νικολαΐδης

Yes, you remember it well from Athens and Kefalonia, Nikos. Those 80 priests, from what I've read, mostly listen to people, give comfort and organize practical things too – like handing out water or helping with makeshift shelters. What do you say, does the conversation with the priest or the hand he gives help more?

Κώστας Θεοδώρου

Niko, I completely agree with the example from Athens and Kefalonia - I also remember how after the 1999 earthquake the first aid was "sit down and drink water and let's say Lord have mercy". From what I understand, these 80 priests do all three together: listen, pray and lend a hand where needed. Have you ever been on such a mission after a natural disaster?

Κατερίνα Αναγνώστου

Yes, Kostas, that's exactly what I liked about the article – that they don't just stay in "Lord have mercy" but also put their hands to work. I remember after the Athens earthquake I went with some teachers from the parish to distribute water and blankets in Acharnon, it was exhausting but you felt that you were doing something specific. How do you see it, does prayer help more when it is done next to someone who is still digging in the ruins?

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