The young Cuban Catholic journalist, Adrián Martínez Cádiz, clarified that the fire reported on Sunday at facilities associated with the Escolapios in Guanabacoa did not impact either the church or the priests' residence.
Martínez Cádiz shared on Facebook, after directly consulting with the Escolapios Fathers in Guanabacoa, that the blaze did not occur in the church or the current living quarters of the religious community.
The affected area is part of an old property that, while registered under the Escolapios, was seized by the Cuban government in 1961 and repurposed for different uses over the decades.
Confirmed reports indicate that in recent years, the building had been allocated to the Ministry of Education in Guanabacoa for use as offices and classrooms.
However, over a year ago, the institution abandoned the site, which has since fallen into disrepair, leading to thefts, vandalism, and unauthorized entry.
According to the journalist, the fire damaged one or two classrooms in the old abandoned cloister, not the areas where the church currently operates or where the priests reside.
He further noted that the church had previously suffered thefts when intruders gained access from the deserted area.
Martínez Cádiz also mentioned that the Escolapios Fathers have been working to reclaim these spaces to prevent further decay and to address ongoing security issues within that section of the complex.
Key Details About the Escolapios Fire Incident
What areas were affected by the fire at the Escolapios in Guanabacoa?
The fire affected one or two classrooms in an old abandoned cloister, not the church or the priests' living quarters.
What has led to security issues at the Escolapios site?
The abandonment of the site by the Ministry of Education over a year ago led to its deterioration, which facilitated thefts, vandalism, and unauthorized intrusions.
What actions are being taken to address the situation?
The Escolapios Fathers are actively working to recover the spaces to halt further deterioration and mitigate security problems.