Vincentian Family Statement of Solidarity with the People of Venezuela

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L3oqy21WWk?hl=en&cc_lang_pref=en&cc_load_policy=1

We are aware of the painful situation of injustice and suffering of the Venezuelan peo- ple due to the lack of what is necessary for a dignified and productive life, and their de- fenselessness before the growing injustice. We pray that the Venezuelan people maintain hope in the search for a peaceful and transparent socio-political and economic change. We also pray that this will lead the country to regain its full democracy, to achieve the recovery of the Rule of Law, the reconstruction of the social fabric, free economic pro- duction, and a national reconciliation in this always peaceful nation.

In this time of conflict, we call for the protection of the individual and collective rights as upheld in the national constitution and that international protocols be respect- ed. We are greatly moved by the unbearable reality of the poor: growing famine, the inability to access medicines, depressed wages due to the ever-rising inflation, gener- alized insecurity and violence, the lack of access to jobs and adequate housing, etc. Faced with this humanitarian crisis the Vincentian Family would like to make ourselves present not only through solidarity in prayer and spiritual accompaniment, but also with help that relieves some of the pain of the most abandoned.

As people of faith and brothers/sisters in our common charism, we want to walk closely with the Venezuelan people on this long and painful way of the cross towards the fullness of Life (John 10:10). We would like to help them feel close to the God of  Life through our compassionate embrace, our tireless prayer, and an international Vin- centian aid campaign in favor of the poorest in the country as well as through the pro- grams our Vincentian Family has in Venezuela.

We acknowledge all the members of the Vincentian Family who have developed their life and mission in the country. We  know that their reality has forced them to extreme

 creativity in the service of the charism. We want to humbly join the many networks of solidarity and compassion that are focused on the increasing pain of the Venezuelan people.

At this crucial moment in the history of this brother country, we invite all the mem- bers of the Vincentian Family to join us in this gesture of communion and solidarity, each from their own abilities and areas of expertise.

We also invite our VF networks to welcome, protect and support all the Venezuelans migrating around the world. Close to 5 million Venezuelans today are refugees experi- encing very dramatic conditions in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Brasil, and other coun- tries especially in the Americas and Europe.

We join in the desire and appeal that Pope Francis has made for the transformation of the country to happen without bloodshed and that this rebirth will lead to the total rec- onciliation of the country and the remediation of the broken tissues of society, from the expansion of opportunities for integral human development and from the reactivation of the values of peace and justice.

We trust in the God of history. He is the God of salvation and the liberating Jesus who tells us: “Do not be afraid, I will be with you every day until the end of the world” (Mt 28, 20). May Mary of Coromoto, national patron, protect Venezuela always, as we express our deepest solidarity! St. Vincent de Paul, and all our Vincentian Saints and Blesseds, pray for us!

Some suggestions for action

1. Spread the word: Share the statement in your social networks, print it and distribute it, etc …

2. Pray for Venezuela: in private and in community.

3. Contribute with a donation: personal or community (from your group, branch, school, parish …).

Bank accounts to send the donations:

Account holder: CONGREGACIÓN DE LA MISIÓN – PADRES VICENTINOS
Bank: BANCOLOMBIA
Branch no 219, Calle 26 #32-61, Bogotá (Colombia)
Account number: 219-000127-25
SWIFT: COLOCOBM
Account currency: Colombian pesos
Transaction type: OUR or SHA

Account holder: HIJAS DE LA CARIDAD DE SAN VICENTE DE PAÚL
Bank: BANCOLOMBIA
Branch no 219, Calle 26 #32-61, Bogotá (Colombia)
Account number: 219-000126-82
SWIFT: COLOCOBM
Account currency: pesos colombianos
Transaction type: OUR o SHA

All the monies received in these accounts, managed by the Vincentian Family of Colombia, will be sent to our sisters and brothers in Venezuela.