A Colombian priest escorts worshippers from church during the earthquake with the Most Holy

A Colombian priest led his parishioners to safety during a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026. The tremor, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, hit the region while Father Oscar Aguirre Calderón was conducting Mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Palmira. As the ground began shaking, he remained calm and guided the congregation out of the church, carrying with him a chalice containing consecrated hosts. His actions were later described as a blessing for all present, with no injuries reported among the worshippers. The earthquake began just before the priest delivered his homily. He had started distributing communion when the tremors hit, causing the church windows to vibrate violently. Father Aguirre Calderón immediately began praying and instructed the parishioners to leave the sanctuary calmly and slowly. He took the chalice with the consecrated hosts along with him. In a video released by the Palmira diocese, he stated that the Eucharist allowed them to exit safely, which was a blessing for everyone involved. Parishioners gathered on the square outside the church. Shortly after, part of the bell tower collapsed, and the dome of the church sustained damage. Inside, parts of the building fell and damaged two chapels. According to the priest, there were no fatalities or injuries among the parishioners. The Church of the Holy Trinity is considered a significant part of Palmira’s cultural heritage and holds special meaning for its residents. Due to the damage, the church will remain closed until repairs can be made to ensure the safety of the structure. The earthquake also affected several other churches and chapels within the Palmira diocese. In another dramatic account, Dr. German Somoyar returned to the hospital in Apartadó, northern Colombia, after evacuating patients and medical staff during the quake. He went back into the building to rescue two newborns from the sixth floor of the neonatology ward. “In my work, children always have priority,” the pediatrician said. The earthquake caught worshippers off guard in other locations as well. At the Church of the Lord of the Miracles in Jardín, the mass had to be interrupted, and the congregation was asked to leave the church quietly. Footage from the cathedral in Manizales showed a priest gripping a column as the building shook violently; according to reports, one of the columns in the cathedral visibly tilted. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4 and an epicenter in the Chocó department, struck western Colombia early on August 10, 2026, causing extensive damage to numerous Salesian communities. The Salesian Inspectorate of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Medellín confirmed that no casualties have been reported among Salesians, employees, students, or beneficiaries of their educational and pastoral communities. However, Brother José Luis Jiménez, who has visited Slovenia multiple times, noted that while his community in Medellín did not suffer major consequences, the impact was more severe in communities located in southern and southwestern Colombia. Initial reports indicate that ten of the eighteen Salesian communities within the inspectorate suffered damage that threatens the continuation of their educational, pastoral, social, and parochial activities. Among the most affected communities are four Salesian institutions in Cali, the mission center in Condo (Chocó), the Salesian institute in Dosquebradas, the Salesian presence in Tulúa, and institutions in Popayán, Ibagué, and the Salesian institute "Pedro Justo Berrío" in Medellín. Another Salesian inspectorate in Bogota, St. Peter Claver, reported damage to Salesian institutions in Tumaco and Buenaventura. Many buildings, especially older ones, were damaged, leading to the temporary suspension of activities in these communities until safety conditions are assured. Additionally, careful evacuation procedures will need to be implemented.