A humanitarian mission from the Archdiocese of Bogotá visited the communities of Guanabacoa and Regla in Havana from July 17 to 20, bringing much-needed medicines, food, and spiritual support to families grappling with Cuba's deepening crisis.
Reported by the Fides Agency on Monday, the delegation was led by Monsignor Rubén Darío Hernández, episcopal vicar of San Pedro, and Father Ricardo Pulido, head of the Diaconia for Human Integral Development in Bogotá. They collaborated with Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, Archbishop of Havana; Redemptorist missionary José Manuel Araya; and Sisters Bernardina Montero and Concha Torres from the Congregation of God's Love.
Beyond distributing medicines, eyeglasses, food, dental hygiene kits, and liturgical materials to parishes, the missionaries visited homes and engaged with residents in two municipalities that have recently seen protests over prolonged blackouts and water shortages.
Sister Bernardina Montero, reflecting on over two decades of mission work in Cuba, noted the worsening social conditions.
"Cuban families are constantly battling to stay afloat amidst the relentless challenges they face daily," she stated.
The mission aimed to reach beyond church walls, Sister Montero emphasized, stressing the value of direct community engagement.
"We didn't come to stay in the temple alone but to be with the people," she noted, highlighting the significance of their house-to-house work.
Sister Concha Torres echoed concerns over the persistent scarcity of medicines, describing it as one of the population's most pressing issues. Supplies distributed through Caritas are prioritized for those in greatest need.
For Father José Manuel Araya, the mission was both material and spiritual in nature.
"Our mission is to be the open arms of Jesus Christ, offering comfort and sharing God's word with this wounded, suffering community," he expressed.
The priest also remarked on the resilience he witnessed among many Cubans despite their hardships.
"You can feel the patience of the people, a patience upheld by faith," he observed.
Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez expressed gratitude for the Colombian Church's support and described the Cuban Church as a community facing significant challenges.
"This is a poor, struggling Church, similar to many others with a shortage of missionaries and priests. Yet, it remains fertile ground for the Gospel," he stated.
Summarizing the visit, Monsignor Hernández painted a stark picture of the daily struggles Cubans endure.
"In this brief mission, we brought as much as we could, celebrating the Eucharist amidst a reality devoid of water, electricity, and fuel—basic necessities for a dignified life," he remarked.
Before returning to Colombia, the prelate expressed hope for an increased missionary presence on the island by 2027.
"The Cuban people need us, and they cry out for our material and spiritual support," he affirmed.
This mission is part of a broader international solidarity effort towards Cuba. In July, the U.S. confirmed $100 million in aid, with $60 million channeled through the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba. Meanwhile, the European Union allocated an additional 10 million euros for medicine, primary care, and water in July.
Colombia has also sent governmental assistance: in April, a CATAM aircraft delivered medicines and food from Bogotá, and in June, the ARC Caribe ship set sail from Cartagena with nearly 100 tons of supplies.
Humanitarian Efforts in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What was the purpose of the Bogotá Church's mission to Cuba?
The mission aimed to deliver medicines, food, and spiritual support to Cuban families affected by the country's severe crisis, while also engaging directly with communities to offer comfort and share messages of faith.
Who were the key figures involved in the mission?
The mission was led by Monsignor Rubén Darío Hernández and Father Ricardo Pulido from Bogotá, along with Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez from Havana, missionary José Manuel Araya, and Sisters Bernardina Montero and Concha Torres from the Congregation of God's Love.
What are the primary challenges faced by the Cuban population?
Cuban communities are struggling with severe shortages of basic necessities such as medicines, electricity, and water, alongside the ongoing economic hardships exacerbated by the current crisis.