Following a violent storm that struck the province of Leiria, Portugal, the region is healing its wounds. Between material destruction and the displacement of populations, the local Church, led by Bishop José Ornelas, SCJ, and the international community are mobilizing.
The month of January ended in tears in Portugal. Indeed, the province of Leiria, located in the central region of the country, was the scene of a major natural disaster occurring during the night of Tuesday, January 28, to Wednesday, January 29, 2026. The so-called Kristin storm, with winds of over 200 kilometers per hour, swept through the region, leading to massive flooding, significant structural damage, and the displacement of many families. According to news received from Father João Nélio, SCJ, Provincial Superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dehonians), the sector where the bishop of the diocese, Bishop José Ornelas, SCJ, resides was particularly affected. Road infrastructure and homes suffered severe damage, requiring the immediate intervention of fire brigades and civil protection services. Churches also suffered enormous damage. The most serious case, according to information from the diocese, is that of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Incarnation, with its roof completely destroyed.
The local Church at the heart of logistics
Far from being limited to spiritual support, the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima has transformed into a coordination platform. Teams of volunteers and organizations linked to the Church are actively collaborating in the reconstruction and logistical support of the affected populations. Fully committed to this process, Bishop José Ornelas, SCJ, former Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and Bishop of the Diocese, opened the doors of the diocesan seminary as a place of welcome for emergency personnel. In a social context poisoned by anti-migration rhetoric, he took advantage of his many field visits to praise the mobilization of immigrants committed as volunteers: “We are here together, because the wind did not choose nationalities or cultures; the wind came for everyone, but it also touched everyone’s heart,” he told the ECCLESIA agency, before specifying that all discourse against immigration are “lies” that must be fought.
Support
Furthermore, the tragedy prompted a swift reaction from the Holy See. In a letter addressed to the Portuguese community, Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness, recalling the importance of unity in times of trial.
The time has now come for a precise assessment of the damage. The Diocese of Leiria-Fátima, through its diocesan Caritas service, has launched a broad fundraising campaign to help the many desperate families.
