The Order of Friars Minor expresses its closeness and solidarity with the Colombian people, especially with families affected by the earthquake on the 10th August, 2026. In this moment of concern and uncertainty, the Order accompanies, in prayer, those who have suffered losses and expresses its closeness to the communities most affected.
The earthquake, of magnitude 7.4, had its epicentre in St Joseph of Palmar-San José del Palmar, Chocó, and was felt in various regions of the country, including several cities where the Order is present, such as Cali, Manizales, Pereira, Armenia, Tuluá and Ibagué.
According to the information received by the General Curia, the friars of the two Franciscan Provinces of Colombia are doing well. From the Province of the Holy Faith-Santa Fe it was reported that no friars were injured and that the fraternities were able to communicate with each other after the earthquake. The Province of St. Paul the Apostle also reported that all the friars are well, although the Provincial Curia suffered material damage.
In the Province of Santa Fe, damage has been reported in some Churches, friaries, and pastoral works, including the Church of St Francis of Cali, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the friary of St Joachim, the Parish and friary of St Francis of Armenia and the St Luis King of Armenia School, in addition to damage to Franciscan presences in Ibagué. Pereira and Tuluá. Technical assessments continue to determine more precisely the extent of the damage.
The General Curia has also received news from the monastery of the Poor Sisters of St. Clare of Montenegro, dependent on the Minister General, who report that they are well.
Although no injuries have been reported amongst the friars and nuns, concern remains for the many families affected by the earthquake and for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, homes and property.
The friars of Colombia, together with the authorities and local entities, remain at the service of the population affected by the earthquake.
To address this emergency, the Order has launched a fundraiser. Each donation will be used entirely for: water, food, and safe accommodation for the Poor Clares and the postulants of Montenegro; humanitarian aid for the families of the parish of Buenaventura; safety and structural appraisals of buildings at risk; and the recovery of damaged churches and friaries. and schools in the Provinces of St Paul the Apostle and Santa Fe-The Province of the Holy Faith.
To donate by card, you can do it through the following link: https://dona.ofmfraternitas.org/eng/colombia-earthquake-2026/
You can also collaborate through bank deposit to:
OFM FRATERNITAS ETS FOUNDATION
Bank: Intesa Sanpaolo
Account holder: Fondazione OFM Fraternitas ETS
IBAN EUR €: IT15 T030 6909 6061 0000 0168 958
IBAN USD $: IT22 V030 6909 6061 6100 9304 690
BIC/SWIFT: BCITITMM
Concept: "Colombia Emergency 2026"
