Father Alberto Reyes reminded that on Sunday, all Cubans, whether they live on the island or abroad, will celebrate the Virgin of Charity, as she is a symbol of unity for Cubans despite their differences. Father Reyes, from the Diocese of Camagüey, commented on Facebook about how ideologies use the natural differences among humans to justify inequalities and create division in people's hearts and among nations.
Known for his critiques of the regime, the priest pointed out that Marxist ideology in Cuba has been used by those in power to suppress the rights of those who think differently. He cited slogans from communist propaganda like 'the streets belong to the revolutionaries', 'socialism or death', or 'if you don't like it, leave'.
"The problem is not the difference; it's the inequality. It's the establishment of a division between first-class and second-class citizens. It’s creating a caste system where you either submit unconditionally or you have no future on this island, and the best you can do is leave," he stated.
Reflecting on the Virgin of Charity as a Symbol of Unity
Below is the full text shared by Father Reyes on his Facebook:
"I've been thinking… (LXXXIII) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I've been thinking about the Virgin of Charity as a symbol of unity for Cubans
People need symbols, reference points to look toward when building their history. For Cubans, the Virgin of Charity has been a symbol of unity for centuries. Before the Virgin, we are all children, brothers, Cubans.
Differences among humans are inevitable, but these differences can be used to justify inequalities, which in turn generate division in people's hearts and among nations. Ideologies are one of the sources that create division.
Ideologies are rigid thought schemes and attempts to explain and transform reality from fixed and unquestionable concepts. They often promote an 'us versus them' mentality. Men against women, rich against poor, white against black, revolutionaries against counter-revolutionaries… it’s the same mechanism.
The problem is not the difference; it's the positions that generate inequality. The issue isn't that there are different genders, or people with varying economic statuses, or different races, or political beliefs. The problem arises when those in power use these differences to limit or deny the legitimate rights and opportunities of those who are different or think differently.
The Marxist ideology that took root on our island is particularly exclusionary. 'The streets belong to the revolutionaries', 'the university is for the revolutionaries', 'socialism or death', 'if you don't like it, leave'—those who think differently are labeled as 'worms', 'scum'.
Why? Aren't we all Cubans? Weren't we all born on the same land? Don't we all have the same rights to influence how life unfolds on this island? Don't we all have the same right to participate in shaping our history?
Why are your political views considered more valid than mine? Why, when you control the power, do you deny me the opportunity to express myself, to organize in alternative groups, to compete at the polls, which reflect the will of the majority?
The problem is not the difference; it's the inequality, the establishment of a division between first-class and second-class citizens. It's creating a caste system where you either submit unconditionally, or you have no future on this island, and the best you can do is leave.
On September 8, all Cubans, both those living on the island and those abroad, will celebrate the one who came for everyone, who intercedes for everyone, who asks her Son for blessings for everyone. The one who is simply Mother and who looks at us as children, as brothers.
It's no wonder we sing to her, asking her to 'make us brothers'. And that is the longing: a homeland where we treat each other as brothers, without exclusive divisions, without inequalities. A homeland where we all have the same opportunities: in education, in health, in the economy… but also in decisions about the present and future of our land."
Frequently Asked Questions about Father Alberto Reyes and Cuban Unity
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Father Alberto Reyes' thoughts on unity and the current political climate in Cuba.
Who is Father Alberto Reyes?
Father Alberto Reyes is a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Camagüey, known for his critical stance against the Cuban regime and his advocacy for unity and equality among Cubans.
What is the significance of the Virgin of Charity in Cuba?
The Virgin of Charity is a symbol of unity for Cubans, representing a point of reference and a figure of maternal care for all Cubans, regardless of their differences.
How does Father Reyes view the impact of Marxist ideology in Cuba?
Father Reyes believes that Marxist ideology in Cuba has been used to create divisions and inequalities, suppressing the rights of those who think differently and establishing a system where only those who conform have opportunities.
Why does Father Reyes emphasize the problem of inequality over differences?
Father Reyes argues that differences among people are natural and inevitable, but the real issue lies in the inequalities and divisions that are created and justified using these differences, leading to a lack of equal opportunities for all.