A new Minibus: Christmas Gift for the Mission

A new Minibus: Christmas Gift for the Mission

This Christmas season, the Placetas mission received a very special and hope-filled gift: the purchase of an 18-seat minibus, locally known as the Toano. This acquisition represents a major step forward for the mission as it faces significant pastoral and logistical challenges.

A Vast Mission with Limited Resources

The territory entrusted to the mission is extensive, with only five priests serving numerous parishes and rural communities. Many of these communities are isolated, and a large number of faithful are unable to attend Mass or participate in pastoral activities regularly due to the lack of transportation.

This situation is made even more difficult by the unprecedented crisis currently affecting Cuba. Fuel shortages have largely paralyzed public transportation, and only a very small minority of the population owns a personal vehicle. In rural areas, people often travel on foot or by horse-drawn carts, making the journey to the parish a real challenge.

Fragile Communities That Still Endure

The massive migration of young people to the United States or to major cities has led to the decline of many small rural parishes. Some chapels have had to close due to the lack of parishioners. Nevertheless, the mission remains committed to the faithful who continue to persevere and remain deeply rooted in their Christian faith.

Thanks to the purchase of the Toano, the mission is now able to bring together these scattered communities. The recent reopening of the church in Placetas also allows the mission to welcome more parishioners from former rural chapels, especially for major liturgical celebrations and key moments in parish life.

Reaching the Most Isolated Faithful

This minibus is far more than a means of transportation. It enables priests and pastoral teams to reach isolated parishioners, maintain strong connections with rural communities, and accompany them on their faith journey. It also makes it possible for many faithful to take part in Mass, formation programs, and other mission activities.

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Donors

This purchase would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. We extend our sincere thanks to all those whose financial support allows the mission to reach isolated communities, accompany the faithful, and help them live out their Christian commitment more fully, despite the challenges of the current context.

The Toano was officially blessed after the Christmas Mass, placing this new vehicle at the service of the mission and entrusting it to the Lord’s protection for evangelization and pastoral outreach.

Christmas 2025 in Cuba

Christmas 2025 in Cuba

This year, we experienced a particularly intense and beautiful season of Advent in our missions in Cuba.

In Placetas, after three years of restoration work, we redoubled our efforts to reopen our church before Christmas. With immense joy, the community was able to return to the church for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The church was full, and an atmosphere of celebration and hope could be felt in every corner.

In Cienfuegos, it was our second Christmas in the mission, and it was a great joy to welcome the Child Jesus with a community we now know better and that continues to grow.

Reviving a Latin American Tradition: La Posada

We also revived a beautiful Latin American tradition that had been lost in Cuba: La Posada. On Christmas Eve, following the example of Mary and Joseph, our teenagers went from house to house in the neighborhood, knocking on doors. After the traditional short dialogue, with three “symbolic” refusals, the doors were finally opened so that everyone could sing Christmas carols and bring joy and warmth, especially to the elderly or those who live alone.

The Christmas Mass

On the evening of December 24, everything was ready: the choirs had rehearsed their most beautiful hymns, the altar servers had adapted to the new church space, and the Christmas Mass in Placetas was celebrated in a festive and fraternal atmosphere.
The Child Jesus was placed in the manger to the sound of Cuban maracas and tambourines, a living symbol of our culture and of the joy of Christmas in Cuba.

A Mission Radiating Beyond Cuba

A Mission Radiating Beyond Cuba

During a recent trip to the United States, Don Stéphane Fernandes and Don Grégoire de Lambilly had the opportunity to bear witness to their missionary commitment in various American dioceses.

It was through these encounters and in the context of this journey that they were invited to take part in an interview on the television program This Is the Day.

Bearing Witness to the Mission in Cuba

The interview, conducted by Deacon Franklin Mejía, gave Don Stéphane and Don Grégoire the opportunity to share their experience within the Cuba mission: how they were called to serve the Cuban people, the charisms of their community, their daily life in the mission field, and the social programs developed in service of the most vulnerable.

They also testify to how their faith has been deepened and strengthened through the trials, joys, and encounters lived on the island, reminding us that mission is above all a path of personal and communal conversion.

A Structuring Missionary Journey in the United States

This trip to the United States had several objectives. One of the main goals was to expand our American network by visiting new cities and new parishes within dioceses already known to us. This mission bore much fruit with stops in Washington, D.C., Boston, New York / New Jersey, and Miami.

Another important focus of this stay was to work toward the creation of a U.S.-based association intended to support the priests of the Cuba mission as well as our French association. This essential step was fully accomplished: the association was created, its bank account opened, and tax-exempt status granted.

Encounters Filled with Hope

One of the great joys of this journey was meeting parish pastors who did not yet know us.

Their warm welcome, their desire to learn more about the Cuba mission, and their invitation to return — within a more institutional framework and in communion with their bishops — are very encouraging signs for us.

Once again, we experienced the vitality of the Catholic faith in the United States, as well as the prompt and joyful generosity of the faithful, who are happy to support the missions of the Church, even beyond the borders of their own country.

In Thanksgiving

Providence was clearly at work throughout this journey. We are now working to structure our American network, while of course continuing to make the Cuba mission known and supported from France. It seems natural to us to seek particular support from our American brothers and sisters, while remaining firmly rooted in our missionary commitment.

Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre

Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre

One of the most beautiful religious celebrations in Cuba is the Feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Patroness of Cuba.

In Cuba, there is a date no one can forget: September 8, when Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, draws near to her people.
For nine days, the parishes of our missions live to the rhythm of vigils and confessions.
Through the streets, mission groups are sent out, house to house, to invite everyone to the celebration.
In every home, the Virgin is present — in a medal, a small statue, or an image.

And for those who cannot come, their prayers rise with ours, united in this great feast for the nation.

Then comes the long-awaited day.
The churches, adorned with flowers, resound with songs prepared for weeks.
The statue of Our Lady of Charity finally comes out, carried high in the arms of the faithful, and an entire people sets out on pilgrimage.
The streets become a procession: families, children, the elderly, fervent believers, and simple onlookers — all walk behind her.

 

Even those who never enter the church bow as she passes.
For here, devotion knows no boundaries: she is Mother to all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

We ourselves, coming from afar, are deeply moved.
Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre dwells in the prayers and hopes of the Cuban people, accompanying their history marked by wounds and struggle.
As we walk behind her, we feel the fervent faith of a people worn and weary, yet who raise their prayers to the Virgin with unshakable hope, certain that she can do all things.
Yes, Our Lady of Charity watches over Cuba, and in her radiant wake, we entrust with them the future of this island with a great and generous heart.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Feast of Corpus Christi has become the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.


It commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and invites the faithful to deepen their understanding of its meaning.

This feast celebrates the God of love who gives Himself as the bread of eternal life, placing greater emphasis on the mystery of the Eucharist as lived, rather than solely on the adoration of the Real Presence.

On June 22, the day of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the church is filled to capacity. At the end of Mass, the Blessed Sacrament goes out in procession, banners held high, and amid a cloud of incense, makes its way around the main square, ending its route at the foot of the church bell tower, still under renovation. For a few moments, the voices of the choir and the songs of thanksgiving fade away, and the entire procession, kneeling, adores in silence, offering their intentions. Time seems suspended — quiet and reverent. Then the litany breaks the silence, the final blessing is given, and Jesus in the Host, enclosed in the monstrance, returns to the tabernacle, accompanied by the altar servers.

The crowd disperses, calm and joyful. A thought crosses our minds: we remember the copes of our country churches which, together with their banners (when they have not been burned), wait humbly in the dust for a few brave souls to carry them once again at the head of the procession. A vast task indeed!

Placetas: A Light of Hope Through Solar Energy

Placetas: A Light of Hope Through Solar Energy

For several months now, Cuba has been facing a severe energy crisis. The shortage of electricity produced by the state has turned a temporary difficulty into a lasting reality.

This shortage weighs heavily on daily life: gas cylinders now cost nearly 60 dollars, while the average monthly salary does not exceed 12 dollars (around 6,000 pesos).

Without stable energy, life unfolds according to the rhythm of power cuts. Household appliances, lighting, and phone charging all depend on the return of electricity. As soon as the power comes back, many leave their work to cook, disrupting both professional and family life.

In response to this situation, some Cubans who are fortunate enough to receive financial help from abroad invest in batteries or, for the wealthier, in solar panels.

From Batteries to Solar Independence

In January, our parish was able to acquire its first Ecoflow battery. Then, in May, thanks to a fundraising campaign in the United States, we equipped our living spaces with more powerful models.
But one challenge remained: to produce our own energy.

Our needs are significant — about 30 kW in Placetas and 20 kW in Cienfuegos — far more than what two solar panels can supply. Without having planned or budgeted for it, we therefore launched a solar installation project.

The beginnings were difficult: three attempts with local companies failed due to a lack of reliability and resources.
But through a wonderful providence, some encounters in Havana opened a new path forward.

A Light in the Night

In June, a concrete opportunity arose: to install 54 solar panels and 3 batteries in Placetas — enough to ensure almost complete energy autonomy, except during long cloudy periods.

On September 1, 2025, the parish house regained a stable source of energy. As evening fell, the bell tower shone once again in the darkness of the city — a sign of hope and renewed life.

A Mission That Continues

Now, our wish is to open our parish spaces even more to welcome parishioners — a place where they can recharge their batteries, work or study in an atmosphere that is bright, peaceful, and fraternal.

A Deacon “Made in Cuba”

Un diacre « made in Cuba »

What joy for our community!

After three years with the Saint Martin Community in Placetas, followed by the completion of his seminary formation in Évron (France), Delvis Heguy, a native of Placetas and a former student of our boarding school, has become the first Cuban ever ordained a deacon within the Saint Martin Community.

On June 20, the ordination ceremony took place at 10 a.m. in France… but at 4 a.m. in Placetas!
Several parishioners rose before dawn to follow the ordination live. A few hours later, a local Mass brought together the entire parish to share in this immense joy.

During the summer, we had the grace of welcoming our new Deacon Delvis during his visit to Cuba. The young people, especially, were happy and proud to celebrate with him this important step before his departure for his new mission at the Sanctuary of Lourdes.

To accompany Delvis in this great moment, two of his Cuban friends, José Carlos and Ernesto, had the joy of attending his ordination in person in France.

Their month of travel was filled with discoveries: Mont-Saint-Michel, the Alps, Rome, and even the Saint Martin Junior Route, alongside other young people from the Saint Martin Community.

They returned overflowing with joy and inspiration, bringing back fresh ideas to help our youth groups and parish life grow.

A true breath of hope and renewal for our entire community!

The Cycling Club of Placetas and Cienfuegos: Pedaling for Faith

The Cycling Club of Placetas and Cienfuegos: Pedaling for Faith

Throughout the year, the two cycling clubs of Placetas and Cienfuegos train every Saturday morning in their respective towns, in a spirit of fraternity, self-improvement, and joy.
Founded about twenty years ago, the club — originally from Placetas — brings together participants aged 12 to 50, united by a shared passion for sport and a desire to grow in faith. To be part of the club, members commit to attending catechism, participating in Mass.

Two Major “Vueltas” Each Year

Every year, two major cycling events are organized: the Winter Vuelta and the Summer Vuelta.
The route crosses several emblematic Cuban cities: Placetas, Sancti Spíritus, Trinidad, Topes de Collantes, El Nicho, and Cienfuegos, before returning to Placetas.
These five days on the road, when both clubs come together to cross the Cuban countryside and mountains, are a true time of encounter and prayer.

Pedaling to Grow in Faith

Over the many kilometers, the cyclists cultivate not only physical endurance but also spiritual strength. Each day is marked by Mass and times of prayer (rosary, lauds, vespers…).
In this way, sport becomes a genuine means of evangelization, a space for encounter and witness of faith.

Cycling, still uncommon in Cuba, requires great creativity: the lack of equipment and spare parts challenges everyone to show ingenuity. The damaged roads add another layer of difficulty, but also give a unique flavor to this journey of faith and effort.

In union of prayer for the victims of Tropical Storm Melissa

In union of prayer for the victims of Tropical Storm Melissa

Formed on October 13 off the coast of Cape Verde, Tropical Storm Melissa crossed the Atlantic, traveling more than 7,000 kilometers before reaching the Caribbean.
On October 28, it struck Jamaica with devastating force, bringing winds of up to 280 km/h and gusts reaching 345 km/h — an intensity never before recorded on the island. The following day, Cuba was also hit: gusts of over 240 km/h swept across the country, leaving behind grieving families, destroyed homes, and a landscape deeply scarred by the hurricane’s power.

In our missions of Placetas and Cienfuegos, we barely felt Melissa’s passage — no strong winds, no heavy rain. Only the unusual stillness of those suspended days reminded us of the gravity of what was happening elsewhere. Activities came to a halt, schools remained closed all week, and a few power outages marked our evenings. In this atmosphere of waiting and reflection, we gathered together in prayer.

In the face of this trial, our community united in faith, praying the Rosary together to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba. With trust and hope, we entrusted to her intercession the victims, the affected families, and all those working toward rebuilding.

“Lord, in the storm, be our refuge; in sorrow, be our hope.”

Youth Gathering: A Summer Camp Full of Hope

Youth Gathering: A Summer Camp Full of Hope

This summer, 120 young people from the parishes of Placetas, Falcón, Fomento, Báez, Cabaiguán, Guayos, and Cienfuegos came together for a week-long parish camp in Camagüey, hosted at the diocesan house.
After Matanzas last year, this new edition of the Convivencia once again brought together a youth filled with energy and faith.

An Experience Lived to the Full

Despite difficult conditions — especially the power cuts, limited to just four hours of electricity per day — the young people were fully active participants in their camp.
Divided into teams mixing middle- and high-school students, they learned team spirit, mutual help, and responsibility, in an atmosphere inspired by scouting.

Three pillars guided the week:

  • Prayer: daily Mass, confessions, times of prayer and praise.

  • Play: moments of creativity, adventure, sports, and discovering everyone’s talents.

  • Fraternity: shared meals, common service, and living together in simplicity.

A Model of Holiness to Guide the Way

Throughout the camp, the young people were accompanied by the figure of Blessed Father José Olallo, a brother of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God.
Through his example, they discovered that it is possible to love and serve even in poverty, and that for Cuban youth, holiness can be lived out every day — in charity and faithfulness.

Alejandro, 23, a medical student, shares his testimony:

“This convivencia is one of the most important moments of the year. It’s such a joy to share hope and love, and to forget, for a few days, the difficulties we live with.”

Thank You for Your Support

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of those who support us.
Your donations made it possible to host and feed all these young people, to fund the activities, and to provide the materials needed for the liturgy, games, and community life during these six days of convivencia.

You are not only funding a camp — you are investing in Cuban youth, in their human and spiritual formation, and in a generation called to carry faith and charity throughout our country.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!