The renowned San Rafael del Cayo Church, located in Cayo Granma, Santiago de Cuba, is still missing a portion of its roof a year after Hurricane Melissa swept through the region.
Despite the extensive damage to the church, the congregation continues to conduct masses and other religious services outdoors, as the Catholic community calls for assistance to restore the roof.
On Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba took to Facebook to highlight the church's plight, sharing a solidarity appeal originally issued by the María Auxiliadora parish, which is striving to gather resources to repair the cyclone-inflicted damage.
"Since Hurricane Melissa struck, the historic San Rafael del Cayo Church has been left with its roof entirely destroyed," the post read.
Photographs released show the extent of the devastation. Although the building's facade remains intact with its iconic red doors, a small bell tower, and the cross atop the structure, a segment of the roof is missing, posing a hazard to worshippers.
Inside, wooden beams and roof remnants are visible, with sections detached and large spaces allowing direct sunlight to pour in.
"Despite this challenging situation, we continue to celebrate the sacraments and gather for the Holy Eucharist under the open sky," the parish expressed.
With the resources available insufficient for roof reconstruction, the church's leaders have turned to the generosity of the faithful and anyone willing to help.
"Today, we need your help and generosity to restore our temple's roof. Your support, no matter how small, will make a difference," stated the message, concluding with a faith-driven reminder: "No one can outgive God!"
The church is situated on Cayo Granma, a quaint fishing village in Santiago de Cuba's bay, formerly known as Cayo Smith. It serves as the primary religious site for the community and is among the few dedicated to Saint Raphael Archangel in the Caribbean.
Its significance extends beyond routine services. Each October 24th, the chapel celebrates the feast of Saint Raphael, drawing fishermen and devotees who seek protection for sea voyages, offer thanks for granted favors, and pray for their families' health.
Cayo Granma's religious tradition is deeply intertwined with its fishermen's lives. On this occasion, numerous boats arrive at the islet, and believers present their finest catches and offerings to the saint's image, revered as the travelers' protector and divine healer.
The celebration includes a procession around the church, one of the enduring religious traditions in Santiago de Cuba. Participants pray for the sick and the Cuban population during the journey.
The official bulletin "Iglesia en Marcha," published by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba in December 2025, documented the October 24th festivity that year, mere days before Melissa's arrival.
According to the publication, worshippers from Cayo Granma, other parts of Santiago de Cuba, and even from other provinces gathered at the church to partake in the mass and procession. Prayers were particularly dedicated to the sick, and six community children were baptized during the ceremony.
Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025. The cyclone made landfall in the Santiago municipality of Guamá as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 121 mph, causing extensive damage to homes, public facilities, and infrastructure.
Cayo Granma was one of the communities hit hard by Melissa, which left homes destroyed and caused significant material damage in this small settlement in Santiago's bay.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Religious Sites
How did Hurricane Melissa affect the San Rafael del Cayo Church?
Hurricane Melissa severely damaged the San Rafael del Cayo Church, leaving its roof partially destroyed and posing a risk to the congregation.
What actions are being taken to repair the church?
The Catholic community is seeking donations and support to gather resources for reconstructing the church's roof.
Why is the San Rafael del Cayo Church important to Cayo Granma?
The church is a central religious site for the community and hosts significant events like the feast of Saint Raphael, drawing local and regional worshippers.