The San Pedro Church in the Reparto Flores neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba has reportedly been the target of a violent attack, as disclosed by Father Rodhin Alonso Colomar this Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Father Alonso described how a group of individuals hurled stones at the church building shortly after 1:00 a.m., resulting in shattered windows and a damaged frame.
One of the stones nearly caused significant injury to the sacristan who was present at the time. "What could drive an organized group to attack a church?" the priest pondered in his post.
Questioning the Motives Behind the Attack
Father Alonso questioned whether the assault was driven by animosity towards the Church or if it was an orchestrated effort to incite chaos, possibly as a "lesson" against their humanitarian work. San Pedro Church is recognized for its social contributions amid Cuba’s economic turmoil, regularly providing meals to those neglected by the regime.
According to Father Alonso, the church serves meals to over 300 people biweekly and distributes purified water to local residents, aiding particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the ill. "This isn't the first time such an incident has occurred," Father Alonso noted, recalling a previous event where an individual with mental health issues also threw stones at the church.
Community Resilience Amidst Adversity
However, he asserted that this recent incident involved a coordinated group, as confirmed by a witness guarding the church that night. Despite the attack, Father Alonso declared that their social and spiritual mission remains steadfast. "Nothing and no one will stop us from serving our community. The Church's mission is unstoppable," he emphasized.
Since November 2024, the San Pedro Church has ramped up its charitable efforts in response to Cuba's worsening economic crisis. Parishioners and local residents organized an event distributing lunches to over 400 individuals, an act described by participants as one of hope and solidarity.
Yet, just weeks later, Father Alonso publicly appealed for additional resources to sustain their charitable actions, highlighting the growing demand for food assistance, especially for children, the elderly, and the sick in the neighborhood.
Despite challenges, the community's dedication has remained strong. This past February, over 200 vulnerable individuals once again received meals prepared and distributed by the church's volunteers.
Understanding the Impact of the Attack on San Pedro Church
What was the nature of the attack on San Pedro Church?
The attack involved a group of individuals throwing stones at the church, resulting in broken windows and a damaged window frame.
How has San Pedro Church been supporting the community?
San Pedro Church provides meals to over 300 people every two weeks and distributes purified water to the neighborhood, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the sick.
What steps has the church taken following the attack?
Despite the attack, the church has vowed to continue its social and spiritual mission, emphasizing that their work in the community will not be deterred.