Hundreds of people, led by the president of the Canary Islands and the bishop, filled La Laguna cathedral in an emotional act of solidarity with Venezuela, ten days after the earthquakes that have left nearly 3,000 dead.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna cathedral was too small this Sunday. Hundreds of people, including authorities and anonymous citizens, gathered for a mass called by the Venezuelan Consulate in the Canary Islands to show their support for the Venezuelan people, struck by the earthquakes that devastated the central coast of the country ten days ago.
The bishop of the diocese, Eloy Santiago, presided over the religious service, which lasted for an hour. Beside him, in the front row, were the president of the Canary Government, Fernando Clavijo, and deputy Ana Oramas, along with representatives from the Army, the consular corps, and numerous associations. But the true focus was on the citizens: dozens of Venezuelans residing in the islands attended the temple to show their "closeness and solidarity" with those affected.
A Flag with a Black Ribbon and the Anthem of the Ninth Island
The altar displayed a Venezuelan flag with a black ribbon, a symbol of the official mourning that the Caribbean country has maintained since the disaster. During the homily, the bishop recalled the "strong historical, cultural, and fraternal ties" that unite the Archipelago with Venezuela, which the Canarians dubbed the ninth island.
The most emotional moment came at the end when attendees stood up to sing the Venezuelan national anthem. The "brave people" echoed through the cathedral's vaults as many present, with tears in their eyes, sang the lyrics that honour freedom and unity.
Fernando Clavijo took the floor to convey the feelings of all Canarians: "Now, more than ever, is the time to offer support and hope to the people of Venezuela in these very complicated days." His words were met with a long round of applause.
Second Mass in Santa Cruz and a Growing Toll
Solidarity does not stop. This Monday, at 19:30, the Church of Our Lady of the Pillar, located at 15 Calle del Pilar in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, will host a new Eucharist "in memory of the victims of the devastating earthquakes that have mourned our homeland," according to the Venezuelan consulate's announcement.
The latest official toll, updated this Sunday, raises the death toll to nearly 3,000 and more than 16,500 injured. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a new death, raising the number of Spaniards killed to 35. The number of missing remains at 140, and there are still 11 people located under the rubble.
On the ground, 10,702 people remain housed in 79 temporary camps, with an installed capacity of 14,599 places, leaving room to continue accommodating those affected. The Venezuelan government detailed that 16,309 people have been left homeless and that 86,794 families have received humanitarian assistance.
For Canarians who wish to join, the event this Monday at El Pilar is a new opportunity to lend a hand to a community that, as the bishop reminded, "has always been part of our history." Admission is free, and high attendance is expected.
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