Father Rogelio Deán Puerta, the parish priest of El Cobre and Rector of the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, delivered a poignant homily this past Sunday. He starkly described the harsh Cuban reality, stating that the Church witnesses "people living buried alive, without light, without dreams, and without hope."
This message, shared by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, comes amid a series of recent statements by the Cuban Catholic Church addressing the severe crisis engulfing the island.
Witnessing Despair in a Nation
During the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time mass, Father Deán Puerta expressed, "We see tears. We sense the powerlessness and despair, people living buried alive, without light, without dreams, and without hope. We see it."
He highlighted the struggles faced by Cubans who often endure "the absence of basic necessities for a dignified life," and as a pastor, he feels his heart "torn apart" witnessing the suffering of his people.
Challenges for Church Leaders
The priest also acknowledged the dire conditions under which those who support the communities operate. "I deeply admire many of my fellow priests, nuns, and pastoral agents who, in very challenging conditions, with virtually no resources, without transportation, go out and evangelize," he stated.
Faced with the magnitude of the suffering, Father Deán Puerta admitted the material support the Church can provide is limited: "We realize that the aid the Church can offer materially is minimal."
Seeking Strength Through Faith
The rector revealed that he seeks strength through prayer at night: "Many times, at night, here before this image of the Virgin, I kneel and in my prayer with God, I ask for strength. Because evidently, in these times we live in Cuba, strength comes only from God."
He expressed gratitude to those from "other lands" who send resources and words of encouragement to the Sanctuary, sharing messages he receives: "Father, be strong. Strength to that Church in Cuba, we pray for you, and we will try to send resources."
Calls for Unity and Justice
This Sunday’s homily is the latest in a series of messages from the priest that blend spiritual reflection with social criticism. Previously, Deán Puerta had called for unity with the phrase "understanding is urgent," and on May 17, Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez declared from the same sanctuary that "Cuba must change."
Earlier this year, the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops warned of the risk of "social chaos" and demanded urgent changes and real dialogue, setting the tone for the following months.
"There are many, many wounds among the Cuban people, both in Cuba and abroad. Many wounds, much healing needed, much reconciliation needed. The Church is not here to confront. The Church is here to heal. Evidently, healing also involves the matter of justice; justice is needed," concluded Father Deán Puerta.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What did Father Deán Puerta say about the Cuban reality?
He described it as seeing people "buried alive, without light, without dreams, and without hope," highlighting the severe struggles faced by the Cuban people.
How does Father Deán Puerta cope with the situation in Cuba?
He seeks strength through prayer, asking God for the fortitude to endure the difficult times in Cuba.
What actions has the Cuban Catholic Church taken amidst the crisis?
The Church has been vocal about the need for unity, calling for urgent changes and real dialogue to address the crisis.