Catholic Church in PR embarks on infrastructure, humanitarian renewal project

Archbishop of San Juan Roberto González Nieves

By The Star Staff

In response to a series of natural disasters that have plagued Puerto Rico in recent years, a groundbreaking initiative has been launched to revitalize and rebuild the Catholic churches across the island.

The project, unveiled recently at San Juan’s historic Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, aims to strengthen the church’s infrastructure, enhance its capacity for humanitarian aid, and rejuvenate the faith of its parishioners.

The event, led by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop Roberto González Nieves of San Juan, brought together bishops, laypeople, public officials and private-sector leaders to kickstart the ambitious endeavor. Over the next five to seven years, the initiative will rebuild more than 600 churches, more than 25 schools, and various other church structures throughout Puerto Rico’s five dioceses.

Drawing on public and private funding sources, the project is expected to generate over $400 million in financial support. Notably, the Catholic Extension Society, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Catholic communities in the United States’ poorest regions, has played an instrumental role in securing resources.

While focusing on physical restoration, the initiative also seeks to address the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. By constructing resilient structures and fostering strong community bonds, the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico aims to provide both physical and emotional shelter to its people in times of crisis.

As the project commences, Cardinal Cupich expressed his commitment to regularly updating Pope Francis on its progress, emphasizing the shared hope for a renewed, thriving Catholic community in Puerto Rico. By rebuilding and strengthening the church’s presence on the island, the initiative endeavors to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Puerto Rico residents for generations to come.

The news comes six years after the Archdiocese of San Juan filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2018, citing a pension plan liability issue. The bankruptcy filing was a result of a legal battle with pensioners over unpaid retirement benefits. The bankruptcy application also applied to all other Catholic dioceses within Puerto Rico.

Federal Judge Edward Godoy granted the archdiocese protection under Chapter 11, preventing the seizure of assets and allowing it to avoid immediate payment of the owed retirement benefits.