The legacy of the 1812 earthquake in Venezuela and its impact on faith and politics.

The earthquake of 1812 stands as a tragic milestone in the history of Venezuela, not only for the devastation it caused but also for the political, social, and religious impact it generated. Among those who experienced this event was the priest José Antonio Vázquez, a chaplain whose perspective is preserved in two letters, one of which provides valuable testimony about the events of that fateful Holy Thursday. In his letter dated April 21, 1812, addressed to his uncle in Madrid, Vázquez not only recounts the horror of the earthquake but also analyzes its political and religious context. Chaplain Vázquez was deeply immersed in the turbulent atmosphere that reigned in Caracas in the years leading up to the earthquake. His critical stance towards the independence movements reflects a desire to maintain loyalty to the Spanish crown. In his words, his disdain for the chaos and irreligion he observed in his surroundings becomes evident: "Disorder, irreligion, insults, and outrages against our beloved Fernando were rampant," he expresses with a tone of despair. This vision, in which faith and loyalty intertwine, challenges the modern interpretation of the struggle for independence, presenting instead a narrative of resistance to change. In his search for peace, Vázquez moved to Nueva Segovia, where he found a temporary refuge. However, even there, his desire to restore order led him to attempt to persuade the local inhabitants to remain faithful to the king. For him, the figure of the monarch represented not only political authority but also divine will. This perspective intensifies after the earthquake, as the cleric interprets the tragedy as divine punishment for rebellion against the king, a common belief of the time that reflects the intersection of faith and politics. The earthquake occurred during Holy Week, a time of great religious significance, which for Vázquez intensified the sense of divine justice. In his account, he describes the disaster as a day of "Justice," "Joy," and "Mercy." This contradictory interpretation reveals the complexity of his religious thought, where catastrophe becomes a means to reaffirm his faith and monarchical loyalty. The idea that the earthquake was a punishment for the insurgents provided him with a way to understand the suffering of his community while distancing himself from the guilt he might have felt as a cleric in times of crisis. The details of the earthquake that Vázquez shares are shocking and reveal the magnitude of the tragedy. In his account, he mentions that twelve people died on his estate and that the building was completely destroyed. Furthermore, he estimates that the population of Nueva Segovia suffered around a thousand deaths, in stark contrast to the devastating figures he presents for Caracas, where up to 17,000 deaths were reported. These figures, although imprecise, highlight the devastation that ravaged the country and Vázquez's need to document the calamity he witnessed. The experience of the priest is not limited to being a mere observer; his role as a cleric led him to care for the injured and dying amidst the chaos. In his letter, he mentions that he continued preaching, providing comfort to those affected. His commitment to his faith and pastoral duty becomes an act of resistance in the face of horror, a way to find meaning amidst the devastation. The need to offer spiritual support to his community underscores the role of religion as a fundamental pillar in times of crisis. The geographical observations that Vázquez provides are also significant. He describes an altered landscape, with collapsed hills and openings in the ground. This aspect of his account not only documents the physical effects of the earthquake but also highlights the fragility of nature and human vulnerability in the face of phenomena that seem to defy logic. In a context where faith and belief in divine order prevailed, the devastation could also be interpreted as a reminder of humanity's insignificance against the forces of nature. The echoes of the tragedy resonated not only in geography but also in politics. The instability that followed the earthquake allowed figures such as Captain General Juan Domingo de Monteverde to capitalize on the situation to reaffirm his control, sending a clear message about the fragility of the patriot cause, which was already facing great challenges. This interconnection between natural disaster and political changes underscores how natural events can influence the fate of nations in times of turmoil. Finally, Vázquez's letter is not only a testimony of the earthquake but also a reflection of the complex relationship between faith, politics, and nature in a Venezuela seeking its identity amidst turbulence. His desire to leave Venezuela and return to Europe, supported by his uncle, reminds us that his personal story is intertwined with the grandeur and suffering of a nation in transformation. Through his voice, we glimpse the expectations and fears of a man caught in a critical moment of history, offering a unique prism through which to observe the profound changes that were underway.