Home » News » ACN expresses solidarity with Cuba after the devastating passage of the hurricane

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.

The hurricane has caused much damage all across the Caribbean

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.

Large parts of the island were affected, including Church property

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.

Don't miss the latest updates!

Ethiopia: Dozens of Orthodox Christians killed in attacks

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has renewed its appeal for…

Christian persecution worsens in much of the world, according to new ACN report

Conflict and persecution are displacing Christian communities in parts of…

Venezuela’s bishops call for free elections and repeal of laws restricting NGOs

In a new pastoral exhortation, the bishops state that Venezuela…

Attack on Church in Jordan leaves nine dead

A Catholic priest says that the attackers have wounded the…

Churches sound alarm after settlers target Christian village and foreign diplomats

Church leaders in Jerusalem have condemned “heinous” attacks by masked…

Church rejoices as priests rescued from kidnappers 

Fr Otache’s plight highlights the difficult security challenges facing parts…

Latin American bishops excited with Pope’s “homecoming” trip

The Church in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru faces very different…

Ebola spreads across the DRC as violence in the east limits health response

Forced displacement caused by violence is hampering efforts to contain…

Faith can overcome ethnic divisions, says Ghana bishop

The Catholic Church in northern Ghana is working for peace by challenging and trying to correct injustices entrenched in social and cultural systems. When Bishop Peter Paul Angkyier ordained two...

“Pray, Support and Visit”: ACN Executive president on the situation of Christians in the Holy Land

Following her recent visit to the Holy Land, Regina Lynch speaks about the challenges facing local Christian communities, the importance of supporting their livelihoods and faith, and why Christians around...

Ethiopia: Dozens of Orthodox Christians killed in attacks

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has renewed its appeal for peace and the protection of civilians At least 60 people, including elderly people and children, were reportedly killed in attacks...