Parish priest Rodhin Alonso Colomar reported a violent attack on the San Pedro church, located in Reparto Flores, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, this Wednesday.
According to a post on their Facebook profile, a group of individuals threw stones at the building past 1:00 a.m., causing glass to break and a window to warp.
He also explained that one of the rocks could have seriously injured the sacristan who was present at the time.
"What motivation could an organized group of people have to attack the building?" the parish priest wondered.
In his message, he also raised the question of whether the attack was a result of hatred towards the Church or if the assailants were sent to incite chaos, perhaps as a "lesson" for the humanitarian and solidarity work they carry out.
The San Pedro community is known for its social work amidst the economic crisis facing the country, as it systematically provides food to those unprotected by the regime.
According to Alonso, the temple provides food to more than 300 people every two weeks, as well as purified water to neighborhood residents, benefiting especially children, the elderly, and the sick.
“It’s not the first time this has happened,” the parish priest recalled, noting that on a previous occasion, a person with mental health issues also threw stones at the temple.
However, he stated that this time it was an organized group, according to a witness who was on duty that night.
Despite the incident, the parish priest assured that the social and spiritual work of the community will not come to a halt.
"Nothing and no one will stop us from continuing to serve our people. The Mission of the Church cannot be halted," he emphasized.
Since November 2024, the San Pedro Church in Santiago de Cuba has intensified its charitable efforts in response to the worsening economic crisis affecting the country.
Parishioners and neighbors organized an event in which lunches were distributed to over 400 people, an act that participants described as a gesture of hope and community.
However, just a few weeks later, Pastor Alonso made a public appeal requesting support to continue these charitable actions.
He noted that the demand was growing every week and that urgent resources were needed to sustain the delivery of food, primarily aimed at children, the elderly, and the sick in the neighborhood.
The community commitment remained strong. Last February, more than 200 individuals in vulnerable situations received food prepared and distributed by the church volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Attack on San Pedro Church in Santiago de Cuba
What happened at the San Pedro Church in Santiago de Cuba?
The San Pedro church was attacked with stones by a group of people, causing breaks in the glass and distorting a window. This attack occurred after 1:00 a.m., according to Reverend Rodhin Alonso Colomar's report.
What could be the motivation behind the attack on the church?
The parish priest Rodhin Alonso Colomar questioned whether the attack was motivated by hatred towards the Church or if it was an attempt to incite chaos in response to the humanitarian work carried out by the religious community, which feeds more than 300 people every two weeks amid the economic crisis in Cuba. There is no confirmed clear motive, but these causes are suspected.
What is the social mission of the San Pedro church in Santiago de Cuba?
The San Pedro church provides food and purified water to over 300 people every two weeks, particularly benefiting children, the elderly, and the sick. This work is vital in the context of an economic crisis in Cuba.
How has the religious community responded to the attack?
Despite the attack, the parish priest and the religious community have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their social and spiritual work. The parish priest stated that "nothing and no one will prevent" them from continuing to assist those in need.
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