Catholic Extension Society has led efforts in five Puerto Rican dioceses to help rebuild hundreds of churches and schools damaged in Hurricane Maria eight years ago, as well as those damaged in the 2020 earthquakes.
In total 600 churches schools will be rebuilt, using $400M in federal grants awarded to the dioceses, thanks to these recovery efforts.
In a long-awaited sign of hope, last week four communities commenced construction work, and each month many more will follow.
Walmer Martinez, Chief Recovery Officer for the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico, whose office was established with Catholic Extension Society support, estimates that 50 churches will commence construction by the end of the year.
The projects follow the reconstruction that began at the Cathedral of San Juan in March of this year at a ceremony attended by Cardinal Blase Cupich, chancellor of Catholic Extension Society.
Good jobs and a stronger economy
Construction work often evokes a sense of dread or irritation, bringing to mind loud noise and road blocks.
But for the people of these communities, the bright yellow vests and big equipment are a welcome sight.
It isn’t just the parishioners of these churches who will be positively affected.
The entire Puerto Rico Recovery Project will take between five and seven years and is expected to create an estimated 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, which will support local economies.
In addition to offering greater structural security against future disasters, the project seeks to strengthen the spiritual and community work on an island where more than 40% of the population lives below the poverty level.
Additionally, the reinforced Catholic Church buildings will provide greater shelter and security to save lives in the face of future disasters.
Transformed spiritually and economically
Among the lasted round of churches to commence repairs was St. Martin de Porres in Arecibo, on Puerto Rico’s northern coast. For eight years, this parish has dealt with a leaky roof and wind-battered walls, which have caused a multitude of other problems.
Father Josué E. Colón Claudio, pastor of San Martín de Porres Parish, describes the impact of finally seeing repairs made on his community’s church:
The work is expected to generate 38 direct jobs and 14 indirect jobs.
“I already told the community that the restoration began and we are all very happy about it,” said Father Colón Claudio.
The improvements range from roof and wall repairs to modernization of lighting, windows, electrical systems, and restoration of perimeter structures.
San Carlos chapel, below, will repair its water-damaged roof and get a clean coat of paint.
Each project has an estimated completion time of between two weeks and two months, depending on the scope. Father Colón Claudio hopes that in February he can celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the newly restored church.
“We welcome with great enthusiasm the start of work in our church and in all those that are part of this much-needed project,” he said.
“Seeing an improved infrastructure will bring hope to the people because the church will exude new life,” said one of the workers.
See the construction crew describe the impact of the repairs:
Another Church undergoing construction is Christ of the Miracles in Arecibo—a place that draws pilgrims from the region because of its unique stations of the cross shrine.
Father Jorge L. Ruiz Rivera, pastor of Christ of the Miracles, explained that since Hurricane Maria 8 years ago, when it rains the church completely floods.
He believes that the restoration will not only be a sign of hope to his parishioners, but to all the pilgrims who come to this church to pray at their shrine.
Similarly, rebuilding projects are beginning deep in the mountains of Puerto Rico in the rugged terrain of Lares, including St. Maria Goretti Chapel and San Carlos Chapel.
After years of frustration and waiting, hope is on the horizon in Puerto Rico. This project to rebuild 600 churches will bring not only spiritual benefits to the people, but an economic one as well.
In summary
Catholic Extension Society has worked in solidarity with the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico ever since Hurricane Maria decimated the island nearly eight years ago. We helped the Puerto Rican dioceses secure $400 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Catholic Extension Society established a recovery team, including an office based in Puerto Rico and staffed by local professional experts, to help the dioceses submit applications and navigate the complex funding requirements. Now this dedicated team is overseeing the reconstruction phase.
Learn more about the Puerto Rico Recovery Project here.
While federal grants will cover a significant portion of reconstruction costs, many program expenses and facility needs remain unfunded. We are asking for additional support of donors to ensure that this recovery effort can be fully executed across Puerto Rico. Please click here to support the recovery project!
