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.”
