A layperson living in Venezuela, who preferred to speak on terms of anonymity due to safety concerns, told CNA July 21 that the day of prayer and fasting is "a light" for the country amid the darkness of the current crisis.
"It seems like a very banal, fragile and simple action in front of yesterday's strike and tomorrow's demonstration," the source said. However, "it's not only political power or social change that can change the world, but also the awareness of our relationship with God."
"So a prayer and a fast is something very powerful which are often trivialized," they said, and, quoting St. John Paul II, added that 'a prayer and the sacrifice of an unknown person in any unknown place can change the world.'"
The source said there has been an "exaggerated" response to the demonstrations on the part of the government, but that amid the violence, the day of prayer and fasting – which ranges from organized initiatives from parishes to personal commitments – is a chance to make "our true need" burn brighter.
It is reported that at least 300 people have been arrested for protesting the government in recent days.
In terms of the international community, the source said politicians are doing what they can, but asked Catholics to unite with Venezuelans in prayer, "but also and above all in communion, which means to be interested and aware of what is happening here."
What the bishops are asking for is justice and social peace, they said, asking for prayer that "it can be true justice and peace … This is not an alternative, it's part of life. Not only to make a protest, but to pray, to pray for peace."
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.