Southwark is home to a vibrant Spanish-speaking community, with people from across Latin America — including many Venezuelans — who worship, serve, and raise their families right here among us. In recent years, a number of churches in our Diocese have grown in confidence and compassion in how they welcome and support Spanish-speaking neighbours. A key part of that story has been the development of Hispanic outreach, including the Hispanic Mission based at St Matthew’s and Christ Church.
Fr Hugo writes:
Over the first days of January, the news from Venezuela and the decisions taken by the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration (including the operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela from power) landed with enormous force for Venezuelans everywhere — and that includes members of our congregations. For some, the headlines brought a sudden surge of hope. For others, fear and uncertainty. For many, it was both at the same time — because when you have family back home, politics is never just politics. It’s your mum’s safety, your brother’s job, your cousin’s ability to get medicine, your family’s next meal, and whether tomorrow’s WhatsApp message will say “we’re okay” or “pray for us”.
A congregant recently shared, “When the news broke in early January, I felt my stomach drop. Part of me was relieved, but I also worried about violence and retaliation. My family in Venezuela has been affected because they’re living day-to-day, and any political shock quickly turns into fear on the streets and pressure at home.”
In the days following the events, I reached out personally to members of the Venezuelan community, checking in, listening, and ensuring that people were not carrying anxiety alone.
“I’m grateful for the support I received from the Church. Fr Hugo reaching out meant I didn’t have to pretend I was fine. It reminded me that even far from home, we are not alone.” (Member of San Mateo community)
For many Venezuelans in Southwark, the Church becomes a steady place when the world feels like it’s shaking. If you are Venezuelan — or if any of the recent events have left you anxious, angry, grief-stricken, or simply overwhelmed — please don’t disappear into silence. Reach out to your local church. And if your parish offers Spanish-speaking ministry or Hispanic outreach, make use of it. The Church is not a service you attend; it’s a family that carries each other.
We continue to pray for Venezuela: for peace without repression, for justice without revenge, for leadership shaped by truth, and for protection for ordinary people who are just trying to live.
A Prayer for Venezuela / Una oración por Venezuela
English
Lord God,
we lift before you the people of Venezuela:
those who fear, those who hope,
those who grieve, and those who long for freedom.
Protect the vulnerable, guide those in authority,
strengthen those working for peace,
and comfort every family separated by conflict and migration.
Make your Church a refuge, a light, and a home.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Español
Señor Dios,
ponemos en tus manos al pueblo de Venezuela:
a los que tienen miedo, a los que esperan,
a los que lloran y a los que anhelan libertad.
Protege a los más vulnerables, ilumina a quienes gobiernan,
fortalece a los que trabajan por la paz,
y consuela a cada familia marcada por la separación y el exilio.
Haz de tu Iglesia refugio, luz y hogar.
Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.
