In an effort to alleviate Cuba's current crisis in host production, the Archdiocese of Panama dispatched 35,000 hosts to Havana. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Mother Prioress Tereza de Jesus Misericordioso of the Santa Teresa Discalced Carmelite Monastery, as confirmed by the Archdiocese on their official social media.
The donation was meticulously prepared by the Sisters of the Visitation Monastery in Panama and transported with care by COPA Airlines in four boxes labeled as fragile. The shipment was directed to the Medalla Milagrosa Parish in Central Havana, under the care of Father José M. Reyes.
The Panamanian Archdiocese expressed gratitude towards Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, the Sisters of the Visitation, and the airline, describing this act as "a sign of communion and fraternity between sister Churches."
"May this gesture strengthen the faith, hope, and unity of the Church," the Archdiocese stated in their message.
Power Shortages Halt Host Production
This international response comes as a result of an unprecedented halt in host production in Cuba. On June 4th, the Discalced Carmelite nuns of the Santa Teresa and San José Monastery in El Vedado, the sole producers of hosts for all Catholic churches across the island, announced a production stoppage due to a severe lack of electricity.
With only two hours of power available daily, essential equipment such as the industrial mixer and mechanical press cannot function.
In a statement circulated among the Cuban clergy, the nuns warned, "Due to the lack of electricity, it is impossible for us to produce hosts," adding that "the remaining supply will be rationed to ensure a small amount is available for everyone."
International Aid and Solidarity
Father George Payano, a Dominican priest, explained to AFP the severity of the situation: "The Carmelite sisters produce hosts for all of Cuba. They need time and power to operate the machinery... Two hours of electricity is very limited."
This marks the second production halt in less than five years; in November 2022, a shortage of flour caused a similar disruption. A 2017 documentary highlighted that the monastery once produced up to 1,000,000 hosts monthly.
The global response was swift and significant. In addition to Panama's contribution, the Archdiocese of San Juan of Puerto Rico mobilized nearly 300,000 Eucharistic forms for Cuba, many crafted by the Dominican Sisters of the Monastery Madre de Dios in Manatí. These were personally received by Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, Archbishop of Havana.
In total, over 335,000 hosts have been sent or are on their way to Cuba from these supportive Churches.
Electricity Crisis Deepens
The root cause of this crisis is the island's chronic electrical failures. On June 16th, the Cuba Electric Union reported a capacity of just 995 MW against a demand of 2,620 MW, resulting in an electric deficit that peaked at over 2,100 MW. Some regions experience blackouts lasting between 20 and 24 hours daily.
Monsignor Arturo González Amador, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba, characterized the situation in May 2026 as "the most difficult and saddest moment in the history of my people that I am aware of."
Understanding the Host Production Crisis in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of hosts in Cuba?
The shortage is due to a severe lack of electricity in Cuba, which has halted the production of hosts by the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Havana, the country's sole provider.
How have other countries responded to Cuba's host shortage?
Countries like Panama and Puerto Rico have sent significant donations of hosts to Cuba, demonstrating international solidarity and support for the Cuban Church.
What are the broader implications of the electrical crisis in Cuba?
The electrical crisis not only affects host production but also impacts daily life, with widespread blackouts and severe limitations on power availability.