The Prior General invites all to entrust the Colombian people to Our Lady of Candelaria while the Order maintains contact with its communities in the country
An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shook much of Colombia this Monday, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). The tremor was felt strongly in different regions of the country and has caused material damage in cities such as Manizales, Cali, and Pereira, while authorities continue to assess the extent of the impact.
The Augustinian Recollect Family, in contact with its communities
Following news of the emergency, the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria of the Augustinian Recollects has maintained contact with the different communities of the Augustinian Recollect Family present in Colombia. Initial reports confirm that the friars, the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries, the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Sick, and the Augustinian Recollect Nuns are in good condition and that no personal injuries have been recorded.
Although all persons are safe, some communities have reported material losses whose magnitude is still being assessed. In the coming hours a more precise accounting of possible damage to convents, religious houses, and apostolic works is expected.
The Prior General asks for prayers for Colombia
In light of this situation, the Prior General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández, has wished to express his closeness to the Colombian people through a message published on his official X account:
Dear Augustinian Recollect Family, I invite you to join in prayer for the Colombian people following the strong earthquake. Let us entrust the affected families to Our Lady of Candelaria, that she may sustain them with her consolation and hope. #ProcClaimChrist pic.twitter.com/zayl0f2gTd
— Miguel Ángel Hernández (@PriorGeneralOAR) August 10, 2026
The Prior General’s message joins the closeness and solidarity of the entire Augustinian-Recollect family with those who are suffering the consequences of the earthquake. The Order remains attentive to the evolution of the situation and maintains contact with its communities in Colombia to learn the extent of the damage and respond to needs that may arise.
The Augustinian Recollects invite the entire family of the Order and the faithful to join in prayer for the victims, for those affected, for those who have lost their homes or their possessions, and for the emergency teams working in rescue and relief efforts.
