Diocese of La Guaira remembers earthquake victims

Young people and families from the Diocese of La Guaira gathered at Plaza Jerusalén in Maiquetía on Saturday, September 26, to pray and celebrate the Eucharist for those killed in the June 24 earthquakes. The gathering served to remember young Catholics who were members of local parishes, youth groups, and pastoral activities.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude, struck La Guaira and Caracas 30 seconds apart and killed at least 6,500 people, according to Aid to the Church in Need. Tens of thousands of people remain missing.

Crystal Olivo, a youth ministry worker in the diocese, said the community wants to remember the victims for how they lived rather than the tragedy that ended their lives. Olivo lost two sisters, 17-year-old Chantal and eight-year-old Clara, along with several friends and fellow ministry members.