Bishop Mark Beckman presided at a Mass for healing and rebuilding for the people of Colombia on Sept. 3 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the South American nation on Aug. 10.
“As I see reports come in of the terrible earthquake in Colombia and hear from my brother priests whose home communities have been directly impacted, I am deeply moved with compassion for all who are experiencing suffering in the region,” the bishop said. “My prayers are with them, and their families, that they may know comfort, healing, and the nearness of God in this time of great need.”
Father Jhon Mario Garcia delivers the homily at the Mass for Colombia.
Eight priests serving in the diocese are originally from Colombia: Father Andres Cano, who is serving at St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Copperhill; Father Julian Cardona, St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City; Father Jhon Mario Garcia, St. Mary, Oak Ridge; Father Antonio Giraldo, St. Francis of Assisi, Townsend; Father Diego Rivera, Sacred Heart; Father Renzo Alvarado Suarez, Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa; Father Arthur Torres, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga; and Father Miguel Velez, St. Patrick, Morristown.
Many of those priests concelebrated the Mass at the cathedral, and Father Garcia gave the homily.
“May the Lord bless Colombia. May he strengthen all those who have been affected, comfort those who have lost their loved ones, and protect those who continue working to rescue, help, and rebuild,” Father Garcia said. “And may St. Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, our patroness, accompany all the families who suffer today. May she, who remained at the foot of the cross of her Son, remain also beside all those who today carry a cross of pain.”
To contribute to the earthquake victim relief fund, visit dioknox.org/special-collection-for-colombia-disaster-relief.