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HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. (CNS) — A special Mass on Sunday brought together the faithful, the Colombian community and supporters throughout Los Angeles in prayer and solidarity for those affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on Aug. 10.
The 1 p.m. Mass was held at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Huntington Park and was presided over by Pastor Rev. Rubén D. Restrepo, a native of Colombia.
Additionally, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles asked parishes and Catholic schools throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties to hold a special emergency collection during Masses on the weekends of Aug. 22-23 and Aug. 29-30 to assist those affected by the powerful earthquake.
A crane lifts a concrete slab to clear the way for rescuers searching through the rubble three days after an earthquake hit Pereira, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
AP Photo/Brandon Pinto
The disaster 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. At least 285 people have been killed.
The collections will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, the international relief agency of the Church in the United States. Those wishing to donate directly can send donations to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org, or via phone or mail at (877) 435-7277 and Catholic Relief Services, Colombia Earthquake Relief, P.O. Box 5278, Tipton, IA 52772-0517.
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