Earthquake in El Salvador: Priest prays the Lord’s Prayer to reassure parishioners

On Sunday, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Father Edwin Henríquez conveyed calm and prayed the Lord’s Prayer with the parishioners, during Mass, when a 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook El Salvador.

In a video that went viral on social networksthe priest is seen in total calm while the earth shook and the camera that broadcast live the Holy Mass in the Divino Niño Parish, in San Salvador, shook. The faithful, guided by the priest, joined their voices in prayer, reciting the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be. Next, the priest continued with the celebration of the Eucharist.

That day, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and local seismology observatories reported that the 6.2 earthquake, which was also felt in the southern part of Guatemala and northern Nicaragua, left no fatalities or caused significant damage in the country’s infrastructure. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, 50 kilometers southwest of the coastal town of La Libertad and 30 kilometers south of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

The Ministry of the Environment of El Salvador reported that there was no “tsunami threat” for the country.

After the earthquake, Father Henríquez continued with his homily, in which he highlighted the central message of the Solemnity of the Epiphany. “We celebrate the manifestation of God’s salvation to all peoples. That means the Epiphany,” said the priest, who added: “The wise men, although they were not from the Jewish people, were invited and responded to God’s call. This reminds us that faith is not a privilege of a few, but a gift offered to all.”

In his reflection, the priest emphasized the evangelizing mission of the Church: “The reason for the Church’s existence is to bring the message of salvation to all men. That announcement starts from the simplest: knocking on doors, inviting people to participate in the celebration, ringing the bell. Today, the media also helps us fulfill this mission more broadly.”

Father Henríquez also invited those present to live the faith in a tangible way, remembering the importance of corporal prayer: “Kneeling when waking up, upon arriving at church or simply crossing oneself, are gestures that orient us towards God. It is not just a formality, but a way to express our faith and strengthen our relationship with the Lord.”

He concluded the homily by encouraging everyone to be committed disciples: “Every day is a new opportunity to live according to the will of God. Let us teach this in our families, especially children, so that they grow up with the certainty that God is always with us, even in times of trial.”