Cuban priest Alberto Reyes urged action this past Tuesday to ensure that the young people of the island continue dreaming and envision a future filled with freedom and opportunities right in their homeland. His reflection was shared on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre.
Reyes posted a message on Facebook titled "On the Feast of Our Lady of Charity," linking devotion to Cuba's patron saint with the necessity to change the current state of the nation.
"Certain life circumstances shape our identity. By being born on this land, we are Cuban, and we are children of Our Lady of Charity," he stated.
In his view, the priest explained, charity should not be limited to acknowledging problems but should motivate action to address them.
"Charity is effective love; it's the love that transforms, that engages with the reality before it and makes it better," he asserted, emphasizing a core message throughout his reflection: "Something must be done."
Empowering the Next Generation
One of his most direct appeals was to the younger generations at a time when thousands of young Cubans have left the country, and many who remain face a bleak scenario with limited prospects.
"We must do something to ensure our youth keep dreaming and chasing their dreams. They must believe that, in our own land, freedom and opportunities are attainable, that it is possible to create a country that invites staying rather than leaving," he wrote.
Reyes described young people as "the sweet hope of the nation" and highlighted the significance of every action aimed at "defending the truth and advocating for justice."
The priest also stressed teaching children and teenagers to deal with material hardships without normalizing poverty.
"We need to do something so that our children and adolescents learn to face adversity with strength, understanding that misery is not a virtue and that prosperity is worth pursuing," he noted.
Addressing Broader Social Issues
His reflection also touched upon the struggles families endure to sustain themselves, as well as the circumstances faced by the elderly and those living alone, whose daily lives, he claimed, should no longer be "a nightmare of hunger and scarcity."
Reyes also delivered a straightforward message to Cuban authorities, articulating the urgent need for deep changes within the country.
"We must do something to make the authorities wake up and realize that if we don't unite our wills for a change in political and social structure, we are pushing this country into a dead-end, into an infinite nothingness," he warned.
Additionally, he called on churches to exhibit a faith capable of confronting evil with truth and defending those who suffer.
His message aligns with one of the most concerning trends in Cuba's demographic crisis. Research published this year by the Center for Demographic Studies indicates that by the end of 2024, 50% of those who left Cuba were young people and children under 35, despite that group constituting 38.4% of the population.
This reflection comes just days after Reyes dedicated another prayer to Our Lady of Charity, asking to preserve "the courage to speak the truth" amidst repression and to sustain hope for a future of freedom for Cuba.
Understanding the Cuban Youth Crisis
Why is Father Alberto Reyes concerned about Cuban youth?
Father Alberto Reyes is concerned because many young Cubans are leaving the country due to the lack of opportunities and freedom. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring them to dream and pursue a future where such opportunities exist within Cuba.
What actions does Father Reyes suggest to address these issues?
Father Reyes suggests that acknowledging and addressing the country's problems through effective action is essential. He calls for changes in the political and social structure and urges teaching the youth to face adversity while striving for prosperity.
What is the significance of Our Lady of Charity in this context?
Our Lady of Charity is the patron saint of Cuba, symbolizing hope and unity. Father Reyes links devotion to her with the necessity for change in Cuba, encouraging citizens to take action towards a better future.