The powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia this Monday, August 10, has left a devastating toll, with dozens of fatalities, numerous injured, and extensive material damage in various regions of the country. The tremor, whose epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, also forced the suspension of operations at seven airports and led to the evacuation of buildings in cities such as Bogotá and Cali.
Among the places that have suffered the most damage is the La Merced Convent in Cali, where the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries (MAR) reside. The religious community itself has reported that the earthquake caused the collapse of part of the roof of La Merced church, one of the most emblematic temples in the capital of Valle del Cauca and a historical, religious, and patrimonial landmark for the city.
A historic temple damaged by the earthquake
In a statement published by the nuns, the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries explain that the La Merced complex holds a privileged place in Cali’s history, being linked to the very origins of the city and constituting one of its main religious, cultural, and patrimonial spaces.
The seismic activity caused significant structural damage to the temple, especially the collapse of part of the church roof, which represents a serious loss for this building of immense historical and spiritual value. Despite the extent of the material damage, the community has sought to convey a message of hope.
All nuns are safe
The most hopeful news amidst the tragedy is that all Augustinian Recollect Missionaries are well.
The community has publicly expressed its gratitude to God for being able to face this moment “with serenity, faith, and trust,” while acknowledging that the convent’s recovery will require significant evaluation, restoration, and reconstruction efforts.
The nuns trust that, with God’s help and the solidarity of many people, it will be possible to restore this space that for decades has been a place of prayer, evangelization, and service for thousands of faithful in Cali.
“La Merced is not just a building”
In their message, the nuns recall that La Merced represents much more than an architectural complex.
“La Merced is not just a building. It is memory, history, faith, and shared life,” they affirm, emphasizing that from this place they have carried out their evangelizing mission for years, welcoming and accompanying countless people.
At the same time, the community expresses its closeness to all families affected by the earthquake, especially those who have lost loved ones, their homes, or their material possessions.
Gratitude and hope for reconstruction
The Augustinian Recollect Missionaries have expressed gratitude for the numerous gestures of closeness, solidarity, and prayer received since the damage became known.
“We trust that, after this difficulty, we will be able to rebuild what has been affected today. And we will do it together, with faith, hope, and gratitude, convinced that the community, when it walks together, has the necessary strength to rebuild,” they state.
While evaluations of the building’s condition continue and Colombian authorities work on addressing the national emergency, the community maintains hope and assures that it will continue to spiritually accompany all those affected by this tragedy.
