Cáritas Venezuela brought together its directors at the national meeting “United in Charity: Towards 2025 Strengthening our solidarity commitment”. The event, held at the headquarters of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, had as its main objective to revive the sense of communion among the members of the Cáritas family, sharing the faith, analyzing the reality of the country and designing joint strategies to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in the year 2025.
The day began with words of welcome by Bishop José Luis Azuaje, president of Cáritas Venezuela, and the executive director Janeth Márquez, who They also facilitated a special discussion dedicated to the integration of the new diocesan directors, who had the opportunity to learn about the work of Cáritas throughout the national territory.
During the first morning of the meeting, Fr. Javier Contreras S.J, member of the Gumilla Center research team, offered a presentation on the current context of the country from the perspective of Church organizations, and the possible scenarios for the year 2025. His analysis allowed the participants to approach the challenges faced by the country and the importance of adapting Cáritas' actions to this reality.

A synodal experience

Throughout the days, experiences were shared from the different local Cáritas, enriching the debate and strengthening fraternal ties between the participants. An especially emotional moment was the celebration of Volunteer Day, in which the invaluable work of those who dedicate their time and effort to serving those most in need was recognized.
At this meeting, Bishop José Luis Azuaje, president of Cáritas Venezuela, offered a profound reflection on the final document of the Synod of Bishops. In his presentation entitled “Being in solidarity in synodality: challenges posed by the final document of the Synod to Caritas in Venezuela”, the Archbishop of Maracaibo invited those present to deepen the call to synodality, that is, the path that the Church is called to travel together. Bishop Azuaje highlighted the importance of Cáritas Venezuela integrating synodal principles in all its actions, encouraging the active participation of all members, listening to the voices of the most vulnerable and working in communion with other civil society organizations. For his part, Elvy Monzant, Pastoral Director of Cáritas, presented the recent papal encyclical “Dilexit Nos”. Monzant highlighted the relevance of this document for the mission of Caritas, emphasizing Pope Francis' invitation to build a civilization of love and to care for our common home. The presentation of the encyclical also served as a frame of reference for the reflections and debates that took place during the meeting.

A Church that builds together

In addition, with the support of Father Danny Socorro S.J., Director of the School of Psychology of the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), and Coordinator of PsicoData Venezuela, a day of reflection on mental health and psychosocial vulnerability was held, issues of great relevance in the current context.
In this meeting, Cáritas Venezuela reaffirmed its commitment to the social teaching of the Church and the teaching of Pope Francis. Participants reflected on the challenges facing the country and the importance of working in synergy with other civil society organizations to build a more promising future for all. Likewise, issues related to transparency and accountability were addressed, with the aim of strengthening the institutionality of Cáritas Venezuela.
“United in Charity: Towards 2025 Strengthening our solidarity commitment” reaffirms Cáritas' commitment to the promotion of comprehensive human development and the construction of a more just and supportive society. As the year closes, the directors of Cáritas renew their vocation for service and commit to continue working together to provide effective responses to the needs of the poorest and most excluded.