Related videos:
In an act of solidarity and commitment to the community, pastor Rodhin A. Colomar organized a community lunch at the San Pedro Apóstol Organized Mission in Santiago de Cuba, benefiting 201 individuals in need.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of parishioners, volunteers, and the collaboration of the Abadía House of Initia Nova, OSB, who have contributed to sustaining this service both in the Mission and in the Parish.
Through a post on his social media, the priest expressed his gratitude:
"Thank God today 201 people benefited from the community lunch for those in need at the San Pedro Apóstol Organized Mission. Thanks to my brothers from the Abadía House of Initia Nova, OSB for this collaboration to continue this service in the Mission and the Parish.”
The images from the event capture the supportive atmosphere of the lunch. Dishes of rice, seasoned ground beef, boiled plantains, and tomato and lettuce salad were served, prepared with ingredients donated by the community.
Large trays of food were arranged on a table, where volunteers helped serve the attendees.
In recent months, various solidarity initiatives have emerged in Cuba aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by the population.
In Santiago de Cuba, in addition to the lunch organized by the parish priest Rodhin A. Colomar, other similar activities have also taken place.
In November 2024, the Santa María Parish and the San Pedro Apóstol Mission organized a community lunch that benefited 441 people, including those who, due to their health condition, were unable to attend in person.
Despite the lack of electricity throughout the day, volunteers managed to prepare and distribute plates of white rice, salami in sauce, and cassava.
The activist Yasser Sosa Tamayo has also led a solidarity initiative in Santiago de Cuba, providing 100 lunches weekly to vulnerable individuals.
Sosa has emphasized the importance of solidarity and has called on the community to obtain more support and continue with this selfless work.
In other regions of the country, such as Matanzas, similar initiatives have also been developed.
At the end of December 2024, in the city of Cárdenas, a group of activists in collaboration with the private restaurant El Chinito and the humanitarian group Solidarity distributed 27 lunches to those in need, including members of the National Association of the Blind (ANCI). The menu consisted of yellow rice with pork, vegetable salad, and caldosa.
During Christmas, another group of volunteers led by a local activist, Idalmys, organized the preparation and delivery of food to families in precarious situations, using a private house as a base of operations.
In Havana, the community has also promoted support actions. At the end of December, entrepreneur Hugo Puig González, owner of Bar K5, along with the solidarity aid group Con Amor Todos Juntos, organized a free New Year's Eve dinner for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and homeless children.
In addition to the food, the beneficiaries received new clothing, haircuts, and personal hygiene products, fostering the spirit of mutual assistance.
These solidarity initiatives reflect the commitment of citizens, activists, and religious communities to humanitarian aid in Cuba.
In the midst of the economic crisis, community lunches have become an essential source of food and hope for many people, highlighting the importance of collaboration and mutual support during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solidarity Lunches in Santiago de Cuba
What is the objective of the solidarity lunches organized at the San Pedro Apóstol Mission?
The objective of the solidarity lunches is to provide food and support to people in need, especially those who cannot leave their homes due to health issues. These initiatives aim to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis in Cuba and promote community solidarity.
How are community lunches financed in Santiago de Cuba?
Community lunches are funded through donations from collaborators, both in money and in food. Pastor Rodhin A. Colomar invites those who wish to contribute to contact him directly to ensure that donations reach those in need.
What menu is offered at the solidarity lunches in Santiago de Cuba?
In the solidarity lunches, a varied menu is served that includes dishes such as rice, ground beef stew, cold cuts, tomato and lettuce salad, and chicken picadillo. These foods are prepared with ingredients donated by the community and are distributed both at the mission and to the homes of those who are unable to attend.
Why are solidarity lunches important in Cuba?
Solidarity lunches are crucial due to the increasing need for food support in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba, where many families face extreme shortages. These events not only provide food, but also strengthen community solidarity and offer hope in times of hardship.
Filed under:
