On August 4, 2020, an explosion devastated the city of Beirut, the capital city – and the largest city – in Lebanon. At least 160 people were killed and more than 5,000 people injured. Homes were destroyed – and countless people suddenly found themselves without any shelter, food or water. Cultural artifacts and historic buildings vanished. And this on top of a global pandemic, a crumbling economy, protests in the streets and a burgeoning number of refugees fleeing to Lebanon seeking safety.

For better or worse, the people of Lebanon know what to do when they hear explosions – the decades-long civil war instilled in them a muscle memory that wasn’t easily forgotten. But adding one trauma on top of another is emotionally and spiritually exhausting. Mental health is just as fragile as physical safety.

The Jesuits of Beirut have been responding as best they can, accompanying the people in this moment of darkness. On today's episode, Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, the newly appointed director of the Jesuit Refugee Service in the Middle East, invites us into that moment when the explosion first hit, painting a vivid picture of pain and suffering but also of resilience and hope. And he details how the Ignatian family is responding.

Ultimately, Fr. Dan reminds each of us that Jesus is still present—particularly in these moments of brokenness.

If you’d like to support the people of Beirut in this moment of brokenness, you can visit www.jrsusa.org/beirut.