While the Cuban regime celebrated July 26, one of the most glorified dates in the official calendar, in Santiago de Cuba a priest fed 440 people whose survival depends on charity, and that same day, as night fell, the church he leads became a victim of insecurity and vandalism.
This was reported on Facebook by Father Rodhin Alonso Colomar, who shared that on Saturday, as usual and according to availability, a communal lunch was provided at the Santa María Parish, this time for 440 beneficiaries.
The event also coincided with the second day of the "Educational Summer" for children, a parallel activity organized by the religious community.
Hours later, the Organized Mission San Pedro Apóstol, located in the Reparto Flores and also under the guidance of the priest, was the target of a new attack, the second in three months.
"They broke the glass of the door that provides access from the side where we offer purified water service for the entire neighborhood, they also broke a pane of the front window and damaged the sign announcing the therapeutic meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the community," Colomar reported.
The incident, which took place on a day when the Church provided food, assistance, and companionship to the most vulnerable, was described by the priest as an act of aggression against those who, rather than causing harm, strive to alleviate the suffering of others.
While we serve and give love and help to everyone, this is how we are repaid. The Church is not responsible for the ills that we are all experiencing. The attack of evil will not destroy the Church,” wrote Colomar, who concluded his message with a blessing for the entire community.
In the comments section, the priest emphasized that this new act of vandalism, like the previous one, had been reported: "Did you see a resolution? Neither did we," he pointed out, highlighting the inaction of the regime's repressive forces.
The situation once again highlights the increasing insecurity and violence faced by religious and community spaces in Cuba, often overlooked by the authorities, even though they play an essential role in the context of institutional and economic voids.
In April, the parish priest reported that a group of people threw stones at the building past 1:00 a.m., causing the breakage of glass and the deformation of a window.
In addition, he explained that one of the rocks could have seriously injured the sacristan who was present at the location at that time.
"What motivation could an organized group of people have to attack the building?" the parish priest wondered at that moment.
Frequently asked questions about attacks on churches in Cuba and the social work of the Church
Why have they attacked the church in Santiago de Cuba?
The attacks on the church in Santiago de Cuba appear to be motivated by the increasing insecurity and violence faced by religious and community spaces. Father Rodhin Alonso Colomar has denounced these acts of vandalism as assaults against those who seek to alleviate the suffering of others, in a context where the regime does not act to protect these essential spaces in times of economic and social crisis.
What kind of assistance does the Church of Santiago de Cuba offer?
The church in Santiago de Cuba, under the leadership of Father Rodhin Alonso Colomar, provides food and purified water to hundreds of people in vulnerable situations. These acts of solidarity are made possible thanks to the support of the community and donors, and are vital amid the economic crisis affecting the island, providing not only sustenance but also hope and a sense of community to the most disadvantaged.
What response has the Cuban regime given to the attacks on the church?
To date, the Cuban regime has not provided an effective response to the attacks on the church in Santiago de Cuba. Father Colomar has pointed out the inaction of the regime's repressive forces, which have not addressed the cases of vandalism despite the complaints filed. This reflects a situation of insecurity and a lack of protection for religious communities that play an essential role in the absence of state support.
How has the economic crisis affected the work of the church in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has increased the demand for assistance from the church, which has intensified its charitable efforts. Despite challenges such as power outages and water shortages, the church has managed to organize community meals for hundreds of people thanks to the efforts of volunteers and donors. However, the lack of resources and the growing number of people in need pose a constant challenge to sustain these initiatives.
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