A glimpse of the Recoletos mission in Cuba

cuba

The members of the first Augustinian Recollect community in Cuba: (L-R) Fray Joel Naranja, Fray Ismael Xuruc, Fray Noe Servin, and Fray Jairo Gordillo.

Antilla, Holguín, CUBA – The Augustinian Recollects arrived in Cuba on February 17, 2018, a Saturday. From a total of 32 volunteers, the General Office in Rome chose four friars to compose the international community: Fray Joel Naranja, Filipino, 54; Fray Jairo Gordillo, Colombian, 51; Fray Noe Servin, Mexican, 39; and Fray Ismael Xuruc, Guatemalan, 37.

From Panama City, a direct flight leaves twice a week for Frank País International Airport in Holguín City in the Cuban province of Holguín which is one of the 11 provinces of this Caribbean island nation with a population of around 1.1 million. Most Rev. Emilio Aranguren, D.D., the bishop of the Diocese of Holguín resides in the eponymous city with approximately 350,000 inhabitants.

Upon arrival after an hour and 45 minutes of flight from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, the four Recollects learned the expressions often used in the island: “Have patience because everything in Cuba is slow,” “Let us go slow because we are in Cuba,” etc. With three flights that arrived at that time, and with only one scanner for all passengers’ luggage, they were able to get out of the airport after three long hours.

The morning heat was scorching. Bishop Aranguren was waiting for them outside with a microbus. From the airport, they proceeded to the bishop’s residence for lunch, and afterwards to their final destination: the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish, in the town of Antilla facing the Nipe Bay, some 80 kilometers from Holguín City.

The house designated for the new Recoletos community is simple, furnished, and sturdy being made of cement and bricks. It has five rooms and two common bathrooms, a sala, a refectory, a spacious hallway, and two garages but one of which was converted into a prayer room. The bishop gave them a car, a Peugeot, more or less 20 years old. But that means something already because, as the local prior, Fray Jairo Gordillo, testifies: “In Cuba to have a car is practically a luxury. People cannot acquire it. They travel by means of public transport.”

A warm welcome awaited the friars in their convent in Antilla. The 32-year old outgoing parish priest led the other lay people who represented the different parish organizations in welcoming the missionaries. Snacks was served afterwards.

The pastoral work in the Diocese of Holguín is attended to by 12 diocesan priests, 6 diocesan priests “ad gentes,” 13 religious men from different institutes (SVD, Little Brothers of Jesus, OSA, and OAR) of whom 11 are priests, 4 permanent deacons, 50 religious women from 17 congregations, and 3 members of a secular institute. Of the 60 houses of worship, 24 are parish churches.

The four Recoletos friars take charge of three parishes, with the housing center in Antilla, and the other two parishes in Baguanos and Tacajó, some 50 and 30 kilometers from the convent, respectively. Antilla is a port town by the bay of Nipe with 13,000 people. Its newly constructed church can accommodate around 180 persons. The parish of Tacajó has around 15,000 residents while the parish of Baguanos has approximately 19,000. The friars have to minister also to other small communities where a holy mass has never been celebrated.

According to Fray Jairo, Cuba is a country that remained confined to 1959, the year when the revolution initiated by Fidel Castro triumphed. The buildings and vehicles are very old, antiquated, and with less or no maintenance. “The misery of an impoverished country could be seen, as Father General has warned us, repeating the words of the bishop, that instead of being able to overcome it, people are slowly becoming poorer,” he said.

For transportation, trucks with a modified bodywork are used. Buses called “guaguas” often carry tourists or persons like hoteliers who work in far-flung areas. Other means of transportation include carts drawn by horses which can carry 8 to 10 passengers, motorcycle taxis, and pedicabs or bike taxis.

Basic diet consists of rice with black beans (“frijol negro”), sweet potato, pork, chicken or sausages. Beef is prohibited; only small children or sick people with medical prescription can eat it. Milk is only for children below seven years old. Vegetables and fruits are very scarce, and when they are available, they are so expensive. People obtain many goods by smuggling or “from the left” (“por la izquierda”) or from the black market (“bolsa negra”) as people here call it, but for a much higher price.

Salaries and wages are very low. The basic salary is pegged at 250 Cuban pesos (or equivalent to US $10). Moreover, the government distributes to its citizens the famous “Libreta de Abastecimiento” (“Supplies Booklet”) which establishes ration to each person per month: 7 lbs of rice, 1 lb of white sugar, 1 lb of brown sugar, 4 oz of coffee, 5 eggs, 0.5 lb of oil, 11 oz of black beans, 1 lb of chicken, etc. While these basic commodities cost 18 Cuban pesos, or less than a dollar, the serious thing is that the mini-market lasts only for a week. What will they do then in order to survive for the remaining days of the month?

To this question comes the response: Cubans live and depend on three possible sources: the supplies booklet, remittances sent by relatives living and working abroad, or theft. This last is equivalent to robbing the State since all companies, factories and big businesses are owned by the government. If you are a baker, for example, you steal some flour in order to sell it in “el mercado negro.” If you are a butcher, you steal a little and sell it “por la izquierda.” Everybody knows about this pilferage but people remain silent, waiting for their turn to do the same in order to be able to survive.

On April 4, 2018, the four Recoletos missionaries had to travel to Habana to sign their Cuban identity document and to avail of the right to have the “supplies booklet” and the right to medical privileges which are for free. “But God has mercy on us,” wrote Fray Jairo, “because we have not experienced grave illness here where medicines are in short supply and essential things such as gauze, alcohol, disposable syringe, and aspirin can hardly be found. People have to buy them. One more detail: while doctors need to give attention to all patients, they prioritize those who can give them gifts; if not, they do not attend to them immediately.”

He also related having talked to a doctor in Habana, an internist with a monthly salary of $50, which is $10 more because he is a specialist. He works eight hours daily, from Monday through Saturday, but his salary does not suffice. To augment his income, he works overtime as a taxi driver, and says that he gains more as a taxi driver than as a doctor. But he needs to work in the hospital because of a contract already established by the government.

People in Cuba have managed to get a little ahead with their private business ventures or street selling. Everyday people pass by the façade of the convent buying and selling bread, banana, garlic, homemade ice cream, pork, tomatoes, homemade sweets, etc. What do they often say when you greet them in the street or when you ask them how they are? “Ahí vamos, padre, sobreviviendo, en la lucha diaria.” (“There we go, Father, surviving, in the everyday struggle.”)

Another matter that costs a lot is the lack of communication. This is very much controlled by the government. “Etecsa” is the only, and state-owned, telephone company in Cuba. The internet with wifi connection is in public premises, usually in the plazas or parks where signal is quite strong. Surfing or browsing is very slow. Some private individuals, however, may have access to the internet but with permission controlled by the government. The bishop’s residence in Holguín, for instance, has a wifi connection which the friars take advantage of when they happen to be there for pastoral matters or drop by for food purchases. Although all parishes have a telephone, the Recollect convent there doesn’t have one. They have mobile phones but the signal is poor. There is a TV set in the convent that displays some channels but they, too, are controlled by the government.

(by Fray Jose Ernil Almayo, OAR / Based on the notes “Cronica desde Cuba” written by Fray Jairo Gordillo, OAR)

 

 

Photo below (from L-R): Fray Gordillo, Fray Servin, Bishop Aranguren, Fray Naranja, and Fray Xuruc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fray Jose Ernil Almayo, OAR

Fray Jose Ernil Almayo, OAR

Fray Jose Ernil F. Almayo, OAR, is currently the Provincial Secretary of the St. Ezekiel Moreno Province and Chairman of the Commission on Communications and Publications-Recoletos

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< 2023 >
March
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   1
  • All day
    March 1, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE MEETING OF THE LOCAL PROCURATORS

    WITH THE PROVINCIAL PROCURATOR

    CELEBRATIONS OF THE 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA
    Inclusive Dates: March 1-10, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Constancia Buchan, AR
    Sr. Jamaikha Acle, AR
    Sis. Marissa Molina, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Khia Queen Taiza (RAY-Calubang)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Teresa de Jesus, AR
    +Sis. Susan Bermil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

2
  • All day
    March 2, 2023

    PROVINCE-WIDE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on “Policies and Procedures on [Cases of] Sexual Abuse Against Minors and Vulnerable Adults” / 9:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Charina Mae Ogario, AR
    Sis. Merlinda Buada, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Karl Canaria (RAY-Talisay)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Luis Clauor Jr., SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    +Bro. Gabino Jabutay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

3
  • All day
    March 3, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Emeterio Buñao
    Fray Andrie Pugate
    Sr. Felisa Ampasin, AR
    Sr. Josephine Facinabao, AR
    Sis. Marina Yang, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Dolores Villas, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Amparo Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodora de la Natividad, AR
    +Sis. Angelita Quero, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

4
  • All day
    March 4, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUERTO PRINCESA
    Mass Presider & Homilist: Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR
    Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa City

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Mark Evan Taliquig (aspirant)
    Sis. Rosita Viray, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Jasmin Reyes, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Thelma Geroy, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Celina Magcauas, AR
    +Sis. Josefina Cedeño, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Esperanza Bacus, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

5
  • All day
    March 5, 2023

    SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodorica de Natividad, AR
    +Ma. Alma Limotlimot, AR
    +Sis. Francisca Tamara, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

6
  • All day
    March 6, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo, Jr.
    Sr. Rosalia Aparece, AR
    Sr. Ma. Corazon Caberte, AR
    Sr. Ridelia Tinga, AR
    Sis. Marybeth Publico, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Rosalina Toledo, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Josefina Rodriguez, AR
    +Sis. Rosemary Delapaz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    +Mrs. Leonila Dosado (Sister General of the Order)

7
  • All day
    March 7, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Dorin James Igsoc (aspirant)
    Bro. John Eduard Nebre, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Bro. Feliciano Nario Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)

8
  • All day
    March 8, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Marco Quimod, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Beata Oida, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Roceline Bernal (RAY-Cavite)
    Paula Nicole Bautista (RAY-Cavite)
    James Ynnoh Molina (RAY-Miranila

    D
    EATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Rita de la Cruz, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Siroy, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Natalia Oliver, AR
    +Sr. Alfonsa Canon, AR

9
  • All day
    March 9, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Loreto Manigos, AR
    Sr. Merlyn Pelarion, AR

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Faustina Nirza, AR
    +Sis. Rufa Pepito, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

10
  • All day
    March 10, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (March 10, 1872) OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Keneth Pahamutang
    Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem
    Sis. Elenita Atienza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Theresa Aquino, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Lourdes Espinos, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Lydia Escario, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Choleta Jalandra, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

11
  • All day
    March 11, 2023

    FORSOAR STAR WEEKEND
    March 11-12, 2022 / Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Briggitte Parba, AR
    Sr. Maria Jasmin Lumanog, AR

12
  • All day
    March 12, 2023

    THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Marisa Bernasor, AR
    Mo. Dionisia Talangapaz (Foundress of the AR Sisters)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Inocencia Beringuel, AR
    +Sis. Fe Zamora, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    +Sis. Valentina Talledo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

13
  • All day
    March 13, 2023

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Ma. Digna Araña, AR
    Sr. Ma. Nicelina Rodriguez, AR
    Bro. Romeo Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Adelina Belandres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Estrella Nuque, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Patricia Tario, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Cyrine Julianne Singson (RAY-Cavite)
    Aaron Kristopher Lim (RAY-San Carlos)
    Kiarah Fatima Guillen (RAY-Provincialate)

14
  • All day
    March 14, 2023

    REAP: SHARING OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS (NEGROS CLUSTER GENERAL ASSEMBLY)

    BIRTHDAY

    Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD (Diocese of Bacolod)
    Br. Christopher Digal (postulant)
    Sr. Ma. Clara Flores, AR
    Sis. Teotila Torrefiel, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lucia Ruiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Leonila Buhain, SAR (Cavite Chapter)

15
  • All day
    March 15, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Lauro Larlar
    Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos
    Br. Juan Carlo Macalalag (aspirant)
    Sr. Rosielyn Hijastro, AR
    Sis. Marlyn Opu-an, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Milagros Calipay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Enrique Jerome Garcia (RAY-Cavite)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Visitacion B. Visitacion, AR
    +Sis. Lourdes Luna, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    +Sis. Ma. Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

16
  • All day
    March 16, 2023

    REAP: DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION OF STRUCTURES, PLANS, AND PROGRAMS

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Maria Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Hernane Francisco, SAR (Manila Chapter)

17
  • All day
    March 17, 2023

    REAP: LENTEN RECOLLECTION

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Jesus Lastimado, AR
    +Sis. Obdulia Torres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

18
  • All day
    March 18, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Eduarda Reynes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

19
  • All day
    March 19, 2023

    FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Archbp. Jose Palma, D.D. (Archbishop of Cebu)
    Sis. Eleanor Almenanza, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Jessica Bacaltos, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Beatriz Hermoso, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Marian Sigrid Escobar (RAY-Bacolod)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Trinidad de la Purisima Concepcion, AR
    +Sis. Enriquieta Oamilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Bro. Gonzalo Pañares, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Anunciacion Mendez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

20
  • All day
    March 20, 2023

    FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE ORDER

    USJ-R (Cebu & Balamban) PATRONAL FIESTA OF ST. JOSEPH

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo
    Sis. Josefina Guevarra, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Salvacion Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
    Sis. Nenita Ursais, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Earl Vincent Blaza (RAY-Miranila)

21
  • All day
    March 21, 2023

    START OF GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING (Rome)
    Inclusive Dates: March 21-25

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia
    Sis. Corazon Yanga, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

22
  • All day
    March 22, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Grace Katada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Rose Mary Chua, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Aquino, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Lina Ferrer, SAR

     

23
  • All day
    March 23, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Teodulo Hayahay
    Sis. Milagros Renes, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Fe Josefa Asuncion, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Luisa Salvador (San Carlos Chapter / Trial)
    Nichole Cabamo (RAY-Laray)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Cecilia Salgado, AR
    +Sr. Concepcion Reston, AR

24
  • All day
    March 24, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Christopher Gaspar
    Sis. Clemencia Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Elpidia Abasolo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Nelida Mendoza (Miranila Chapter / Trial)
    Sis. Hedelita Diaz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    +Sis. Adela Jaca, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

25
  • All day
    March 25, 2023

    EARTH HOUR: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Anunciacion Yballe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Ann Marjorie Ricarte, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lourdes Serrano, SAR (Manila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Purificacion del Espiritu Santo, AR
    +Sr. Magdalena Salgado, AR

26
  • All day
    March 26, 2023

    FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Gloria Mempin, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Calopez, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    +Sis. Alice Banares, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

27
  • All day
    March 27, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Edward de Silva, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Josefina Magalit, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Alberta Lastimado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Bro. Samuel Celerino Favila (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)
    Aira Joy Legaspi (RAY-Talisay)

28
  • All day
    March 28, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Agustina Santos, AR Sr. Dorothy Aguila, AR
    Sis. Virginia Lazaro, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Bro. Reynaldo Aparicio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lilibeth Fuertes, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Brenda Villafuerte, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Gregoria de San Jose, AR
    + Sis. Rufina Jadraque, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

29
  • All day
    March 29, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Ma. Katrina Rodriguez (RAY-Miranila)

    PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY

    (2008-2023)

    Fray William Cordero, Jr.
    Fray Roderick Deguit

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Crispin Balingit, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

30
  • All day
    March 30, 2023

    GENERALATE: ONLINE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF MINORS & VULNERABLE ADULTS

    BIRTHDAY

    Mo. Maxima Pelaez, AR
    Sis. Juanita Pajarillaga, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Jelly Masongsong, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Roberta Panoncillo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

31
  • All day
    March 31, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. John Reynan Rosie (aspirant)
    Sr. Anastacia Fangon, AR

 

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