Just as Puerto Ricans in the U.S. celebrated their heritage in parades across the country on June 13 to 14, 2026, there was great news to celebrate on their ancestral island following many years of hardship stemming from natural disasters and economic downturn.
FirstBank and Catholic Extension Society announced the formalization of a $6 million line of credit with the Archdiocese of San Juan to support the rebuilding of hundreds of Catholic churches, schools and other ecclesiastical facilities affected by hurricanes Irma and María in 2017. The credit will provide the necessary cash flow to advance the construction and reconstruction work of projects financed with federal funds while the corresponding disbursements are processed. The commercial loan, the first of its kind for a Catholic diocese, was signed by Bishop Tomás González González, auxiliary bishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Economic benefits
This will allow the construction of churches and schools to accelerate in the coming year, with the ultimate goal of helping these ecclesial facilities damaged in disasters expand their pastoral, educational and charitable services to the most vulnerable communities.
This effort is particularly relevant in Puerto Rico, where nearly 45% of the population lives below poverty levels and many parishes and schools constitute an important point of support for families and people in need.
Presently, the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico is the largest private non-profit in the federal government’s recovery portfolio on the island, with over 600 facilities—spanning five dioceses—approved for grants for repairs.
An additional benefit of the massive inter-diocesan recovery and reconstruction program, led by Catholic Extension Society, is that it is estimated to generate close to 7,000 direct and indirect jobs during its execution, boosting economic activity in different municipalities of the island.
Support from popes of bishops
The recovery program began with encouragement from Pope Francis, who followed the progress of Catholic Extension Society’s initiative closely and supported it throughout his pontificate.
Likewise, Pope Leo XIV recently praised Catholic Extension Society’s efforts to help the Church in Puerto Rico at a private audience las month, saying it is “a beautiful expression of the universality of the Church.”
Catholic Extension Society’s Board of Governors has guided this recovery effort, none more so than its chancellor, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, he was sent by Pope Francis to the island to assess the damage and engage Catholic Extension Society to assist the local Church in its recovery.
Last year, the cardinal was back in Puerto Rico to formally launch the construction phase, which began in San Juan’s Cathedral, the oldest cathedral under the American flag.
Another board member, Archbishop Ronald of New York, was installed last February in the Archdiocese of New York, a hub for the Puerto Rican diaspora. In a sign of solidarity with the Puerto Rican community, he put on a straw fedora during his Sunday homily. He was seen wearing it after Mass as he recently celebrated his first Puerto Rican Day Parade on Manhattan’s 5th Avenue.
He commented, “the joy, faith, and pride of the Puerto Rican community were inspiring … I saw the face of Christ reflected in the people celebrating their rich heritage.”
Two years ago, Catholic Extension Society’s board approved the establishment of the Chief Recovery Office that reports to the bishops of Puerto Rico and is staffed with Puerto Rican professionals with expertise in finances, engineering and project management—skills required to competently manage the estimated $400M dollar recovery project on behalf of the dioceses of Puerto Rico.
What’s to come?
Care for vulnerable communities is a key priority of this program. On July 1, the Catholic Chief Recovery Office will commence the major work on a Catholic home for abused and neglected children and toddlers, operated in the Diocese of Arecibo, which will undergo repairs to ensure that the roof is hurricane-resilient in order to protect its vulnerable and precious residents.
The symbolic milestones of this home for abused children being repaired, as well as the support from the private sector manifested through FirstBank’s recent loan agreement, are giving momentum to Puerto Rico’s recovery. Rebuilding the Church will not only preserve Puerto Rican’s heritage but also save lives and restore communities.
Michael McDonald, executive VP of FirstBank and group director, said, “We are honored to collaborate with the Catholic Extension Society on an initiative of this magnitude. This effort will contribute to the reconstruction of essential infrastructure for Puerto Rico and generate economic and social benefits that will last for generations.”
Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America. Donate to support our mission today!
