The Order of Friars Minor expresses its closeness and solidarity with the people of Flores, Indonesia, affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at 5:58 a.m. local time, causing considerable destruction in the area.
According to a communication sent to the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, by Br. Agustinus Lorensius Nggame, OFM, Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Michael the Archangel in Indonesia, all the friars are safe and well. However, several churches entrusted to the care of the friars have suffered damage as a result of the earthquake.
At present, precise information on the full extent of the damage is not yet available. The friars of the Province of St. Michael the Archangel in Flores continue to follow the situation and will provide further updates as soon as more reliable information becomes available.
In this time of sorrow and uncertainty, the Order of Friars Minor expresses its closeness and solidarity with all those affected and with the communities impacted by the earthquake, especially those who have lost loved ones and the families suffering from its consequences.
We invite the entire Franciscan Family to join in prayer for the deceased, for their families, for all those affected, and for the communities struck by this earthquake, asking the Lord to grant consolation, strength and hope to all who are going through this difficult time.