ACN expresses solidarity with Cuba after the devastating passage of the hurricane
The organisation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deep sorrow and closeness to the Cuban people following the passage of the powerful hurricane that has struck the eastern region of the country, leaving behind a catastrophe of enormous proportions.
Although the material damage has been immense in both cities and rural areas, also affecting agriculture, no human casualties have been reported so far.
According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba (COCC), hundreds of thousands of people have been severely affected: numerous homes and churches have been damaged, many families have lost everything, and the situation is worsened by the shortage of basic goods and prolonged power outages.
All this adds to the existing economic crisis and to the epidemiological situation affecting the population, due to four circulating arboviral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, which multiply during the rainy season.
“The Shrine of Our Lady of El Cobre has also been affected in its doors, windows, stained-glass windows, and surrounding areas,” reported Mons. Arturo, president of the Episcopal Conference of Cuba, in a message addressed to ACN. “The situation in the eastern zone, above all, is very critical. There are places that are totally devastated. In the next 72 hours, the immediate effects of the hurricane will continue to be felt,” he said.
The prelate thanked ACN for its solidarity: “Thank you for your concern. Thank you very much for your prayers. So far, we have no human losses to mourn, thanks be to God. Please keep praying. We remain in communication. God bless you,” he added.
ACN invites all benefactors to pray for the Cuban people, for the families who suffer, and for the Church that continues to accompany with hope those most in need. May, in this time of sorrow, the protection of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba, strengthen the hope of the Cuban people.
For decades, ACN has supported and shown solidarity with bishops, priests, religious, and lay people in Cuba, and assures that it will continue to offer aid and assistance to the local Church, as it has done in previous times of hardship.
