September 8, 2008

Cuba
Isla de la Juventud
Pe. César Báez. C.Ss.R.

"Thank God we are alive!"

See attached photos:

This phrase expresses the feelings of many people on the Island of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) after Hurricane Gustav passed over us at its highest strength.

On Wednesday afternoon, September 3rd, I went to visit the community of La Reforma at 30 km. from Nueva Gerona. The whole countryside near La Reforma is a picture of desperation. All roofs of the houses that line the road are on the ground and many trees and electric poles are snapped. A short distance along the journey, I came upon a child from the community of La Reforma wandering and offered him a ride. I asked him about the state of his house. He said: Father, it took everything! When we reached his town, he showed me what was left of his home.

On the island there are thousands of people who are in this same situation. Sometimes we do not know where to begin to describe what has happened. After a whole week, the situation continues to worsen by the lack of resources to lift the fallen. There is a lack of basic services for the livelihood of people: food, medicines, water, light, mattresses, clothes

The parish suffered serious damage. Courtyard walls and trees were felled, a turbine burned up, and countless other damage occurred to the length and breadth of the house. Most of the Church’s sacred art and statues were saved. We had no electricity for five days and the telephone lines were down. During those days we subsisted on eggs and tuna. Yesterday, Friday, September 5th, the Cardinal brought us some food and aid for the people. In the areas in which we work, we try to give hope and convey life to all Christians. In Santa Fe we are doing the novena in honor of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre (Patronal Virgen of Cuba). We do not have our own transportation, which limits our ability to reach the communities in the countryside, but we do what we are able to do.

85% of houses are affected and thousands of people were left with nothing and are in shelters. In a later communication we will give more details of the situation. We ask your prayers and any help will be welcome.

May God bless us all.