Special Collection for Venezuela
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. We are called to assist our brothers and sisters in Venezuela who are faced with the loss of their loved ones, their worldly possessions and economic livelihood due to the recent 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude twin earthquakes. The death toll has risen to over 1,400 people and there are still ongoing efforts to rescue those that are trapped in the rubble. We offer our prayers to all the families affected by these disasters and pray for the repose of the souls whose lives were taken.
In solidarity with our brothers and sisters, I ask you to participate in Disaster Relief 2026, a voluntary special collection for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from these calamities. The funds collected in this special appeal will be used to support the efforts of the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church, Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts; and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church.
We pray our love of God and neighbor are worthy of His mandate.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend John Noonan, Bishop of Orlando