Chile: They reopen chapel intentionally burned in 2023

Thanks to the work of the Pontifical Foundation, it helps the Church that suffers (also known as aid to the needy Church), a new life begins for the Our Lady of the Camino de Vilvilco Chapel, in the Chilean commune of Cañete, which was intentionally set on fire in August 2023.

Located in the rural area of the commune to the center-south of Chile, the temple will be reopened on Saturday, August 2 at 11:00 hours with a Mass presided by the archbishop of Concepción, Mons. Sergio Pérez de Arce.

The local pastor, P. Gilberto Matuz, and is expected to have the presence of residents of the sector and representatives of the Foundation that worked in its reconstruction will conceive the Eucharist.

The old chapel had been lifted with a great effort from the local community, which brought together the necessary resources and actively participated in its construction.

This is the fifth chapel belonging to the Our Lady of Carmen parish, of Cañete, which has been destroyed by vandalism attacks in recent years.

The fire, occurred in August 2023, caused its total destruction and was a deep blow to the inhabitants of the sector, which in addition to losing their place of prayer, were left without the main meeting point for meetings, social activities and community moments.

The Pontifical Foundation supported the community assuming reconstruction, as a specific gesture of hope. “We did not want to be indifferent. This new chapel not only returns a physical space, but also the joy of feeling accompanied and the message that faith does not go out with fire,” said Magdalena Lira, director of help to the Church that suffers in Chile.

This reconstruction, possible thanks to the solidarity of many people who contribute to ACN, seeks to be a sign of hope for so many other communities that have suffered losses due to acts of vandalism and violence.