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!

Earthquake in Colombia: Church assessing needs for emergency aid

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck much of western and…

ACN joins Mexican bishops’ call for religious freedom

The Catholic bishops of Mexico have marked the centenary of…

The return of Iraq’s Christians: a possible model for Nigeria

Catholic leaders advocate for the right of return of internally…

Medjugorje vandalisation is latest in wave of desecrations

From Spain to the USA, several churches have been vandalised…

Iraqi Prime Minister: “Christians are an active component, an essential part of Iraqi society”

The Iraqi government is offering incentives for Christians to return…

Beatification of Patriarch Hoyek is a sign of hope for Lebanon

On 25 July, in Lebanon, the Maronite Church will celebrate…

Situation in Venezuela “apocalyptic”, but Church is organised and responding 

ACN’s aid is currently supporting the religious and laity who…

Earthquake in Colombia: Church assessing needs for emergency aid

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck much of western and central Colombia on Monday. While authorities assess the scale of the emergency, the Catholic Church is already accompanying affected communities...

HAITI: “We are the last retaining wall: moral, ethical, spiritual and prophetic… That is why they want to eliminate us’, says bishop

As the country sinks into an unprecedented crisis, corroded by armed gangs, the Church remains standing, sowing hope in the midst of despair. The legislative and presidential elections due to...

ACN joins Mexican bishops’ call for religious freedom

The Catholic bishops of Mexico have marked the centenary of the “Calles Law”, which imposed restrictions on the life of the Church and placed priestly ministry under state control in...