Global Jesuit Network Raises Over US$1.5 Million for Venezuela Earthquake Recovery

The global Jesuit network has raised more than AUD 2.3 million (about US$1.5 million) to support long-term recovery efforts following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, with Church agencies expanding assistance beyond emergency relief to help families rebuild their lives.

The funds were mobilized through the Xavier Network, an international alliance of Jesuit mission offices, in partnership with Jesuit Mission Australia and Jesuit organizations serving in Venezuela.

Nearly a month after the earthquakes, more than 5,000 people have died, over 16,000 have been injured, about 18,000 have been left homeless, and more than 50,000 remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts transition to long-term recovery.

Jesuit partners on the ground—including Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Venezuela, Fe y Alegría Venezuela, and the Jesuit Province of Venezuela—continue to provide shelter, psychosocial care, education, and livelihood support to affected communities.

Fr. Edgar Magallanes, SJ, country director of JRS Venezuela, said the needs remain immense even though the immediate search-and-rescue phase has ended.

"The visibility of this emergency will quickly decline on social media," he said. "But the recovery will continue long after the headlines have faded."

The earthquakes also severely disrupted education, damaging 93 schools and educational centers operated by Fe y Alegría and affecting about 15,000 students. Jesuit organizations are working to help schools reopen safely while supporting students, teachers, and their families.

Helen Forde, chief executive officer of Jesuit Mission Australia, said the generosity of donors worldwide is enabling local Church partners to accompany communities through the long recovery process.

"The generosity of communities around the world is making a real difference. Through the Xavier Network, our Jesuit partners can continue accompanying families as they recover and rebuild," she said.

Jesuit institutions have already distributed more than 160 metric tons of humanitarian supplies across four Venezuelan states through the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. Relief efforts have also provided about 1,500 emergency kits containing food, medicine, hygiene products, and household essentials.

In addition to material assistance, Jesuit organizations have expanded psychosocial services, carried out structural assessments of damaged schools, and established safe spaces for children and families affected by the disaster.

Jesuit Mission Australia has appealed to the Australian Catholic community to continue supporting its Emergency Action Fund, saying donations will help sustain long-term recovery efforts in Venezuela while strengthening the Jesuit network's capacity to respond to future humanitarian crises worldwide.