In partnership with the Catholic Extension Society this Lenten season, the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and School communities are helping to rebuild and restore
Puerto Rico’s mission churches. Your efforts will preserve these sacred places of worship for generations to come.
Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people in America’s poorest regions to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities. They seek to deepen and expand our commitment to Catholic faith communities by providing resources to develop leaders, ministries, and facilities, while inviting more people across our country to invest in this work.
Support the Recovery Project: Rebuild Churches in Puerto Rico
For the entirety of its 120-year existence, Catholic Extension Society has supported the Church’s presence and ministries in Puerto Rico as a US territory. Over the last eight years, Puerto Rico has endured immense
challenges, including Hurricane Maria, devastating earthquakes, and Hurricane Fiona. These natural disasters have left an estimated 1,000 Catholic properties damaged or in ruins. With your help, we can continue to restore these cherished mission churches and bring hope back to the island’s communities.
A Devastating Impact
Hurricane Maria 2017: The strongest hurricane in a century caused 3,000 deaths, $100 billion in damages, and widespread destruction of homes and churches. Earthquake Swarm 2019-2020: Powerful tremors toppled buildings, including historical churches. Hurricane Fiona 2022: Continued devastation left many communities struggling to rebuild.
What Your Support Has Already Made Possible
After years of uncertainty and waiting, the sounds of hammers and the sight of scaffolding have become powerful signs of hope across the island. By the
end of 2025, approximately 50 church facilities broke ground and were put under construction—two of them made possible through Sacred Heart’s past generosity. These efforts are part of a historic $400 million rebuilding project, the largest in American Christianity, which will restore nearly 600 churches and schools damaged by Hurricane Maria and the subsequent earthquakes.
More Than Buildings—This Is Renewal
This work goes far beyond repairing walls and roofs; it is transforming lives and strengthening entire communities. The reconstruction effort is expected to generate nearly 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing much-needed economic support on an island where more than 40 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Rebuilt and reinforced churches will serve as safe havens during future disasters, offering shelter, security, and hope in times of crisis. Most importantly, parishioners are witnessing not only the restoration of their sacred spaces but also a renewal of faith, pride, and dignity. As churches are rebuilt, communities are rediscovering their spiritual center— places where God’s presence is felt, faith is nurtured, and hope takes root once again.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and School are part of something extraordinary—the largest rebuilding effort in the history of the Catholic Church in the United
States. Together, we are not just rebuilding churches. We are rebuilding lives.