Emergency Appeal for
Colombia Earthquake Relief
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is calling on all parishioners to unite in prayer and charitable action following the devastating earthquake in Colombia. With hundreds dead, thousands injured, and entire communities left without shelter, water, or medical care, the humanitarian need is immediate and overwhelming.
St Clare will hold a special emergency collection during mass to support Catholic Relief Services’ relief efforts. Together, as one Body of Christ, we stand in solidarity with the people of Colombia in their time of profound suffering.
August 13, 2026
Dear Pastors, Administrators, Parish Life Directors, Business Managers, School Principals, ACC Employees, and Parish Catechetical Leaders,
On August 10, 2026, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near the town of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, leaving behind widespread devastation and an unfolding humanitarian crisis. The cities of Pereira, Manizales, Cali, Quibdó, and Armenia suffered the most severe impacts, with tremors felt as far away as Bogotá, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, homes and schools have collapsed, hospitals and essential infrastructure have been severely damaged, and thousands of families have been displaced. More than 200 people have been confirmed dead, over 2,500 have been injured, and thousands more remain missing. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as aftershocks complicate recovery efforts, while countless families remain without safe shelter, clean water, food, medical care, or electricity. Even as the full extent of the destruction continues to emerge, the needs of the people of Colombia are both urgent and overwhelming.
We invite every parish and Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to consider taking up a special emergency collection to assist those affected by this disaster. We encourage parishes to hold this collection the weekend of August 23rd or the weekend of August 30th.
As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are suffering. Along with our financial support, we ask that every parish, school, and ministry remember the people of Colombia in your prayers. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, for the thousands who have been injured or displaced, for first responders and relief workers, and for the local Church as it ministers with compassion and hope to those most in need.
Funds should be sent directly to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as soon as possible to ensure timely assistance reaches those most in need. Below are directions on how to send funds. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Mission Office, 213-637-7223 or missionoffice@la-archdiocese.org.
For CRS Donations:
Phone
1 - 877 - 435 - 7277
Check
Catholic Relief Services
Colombia Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 5278, Tipton, IA 52772-0517
Thank you for your continued generosity, compassion, and faithful prayers. Together, through our prayers and charitable support, we can bring Christ's hope and healing to the people of Colombia during this time of profound suffering.
May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and solidarity.
Sincerely,
Rev. James Anguiano
Moderator Of the Curia / Vicar General
