{"id":331099,"date":"2025-11-14T05:04:34","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/?p=331099"},"modified":"2025-11-14T05:04:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:04:34","slug":"marys-house-the-hurricane-and-the-prologue-to-a-possible-cuba-a-conversation-with-father-rogelio-dean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/cuba\/marys-house-the-hurricane-and-the-prologue-to-a-possible-cuba-a-conversation-with-father-rogelio-dean\/","title":{"rendered":"Mary\u2019s house, the hurricane and the prologue to a possible Cuba: a conversation with Father Rogelio Dean"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cuba has two capitals. One\u00a0political, Havana. The other spiritual, El Cobre. Separated by 762 kilometers, the latter is now a spectral hamlet ravaged by the fury of nature embodied in Hurricane Melissa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If we want to confirm that\u00a0the\u00a0utopia, sometimes, happily, becomes a reality and that a common home is possible for all Cubans of any political persuasion, affiliation, creed or origin, the\u00a0Sanctuary\u00a0of Our Lady of Charity is the place of that possibility.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Far from being a coincidence, this opportunity still awaits its realization as a national project in the island\u2019s brief republican history. And yes, this is the place. There is no other. Not yet.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, where the patron saint of Cuba has been venerated since the 17th century, a collective and foundational homeland bestowed by a far from calm sea, the viability of a collaborative and diverse Cuba is also being explored amidst misfortune; a\u00a0version\u00a0of a country without the vanities, resentments and arrogance of power wielded by some and others, a country that must work for the good of all, without exclusion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the many everyday protagonists in the construction of this Mart\u00ed-inspired paradigm is Father Rogelio Dean Puerta (Havana, 1980), ordained a priest in 2017, who readily agreed to answer\u00a0<\/span>OnCuba<\/span><\/b>\u2019s\u00a0questions on matters both earthly and divine. It was a conversation via WhatsApp, punctuated by phone outages, blackouts, and lack of coverage on both ends of the line on\u00a0the evening of Friday, November 8.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fr.
Fr. Rogelio Dean during his Sunday homily on November 9, 2025. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

El Cobre, a relic<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Father,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0begin by sketching a timeline before Melissa\u2019s arrival. How would you characterize the community of El Cobre?\u00a0By the way, it\u2019s\u00a0one of the first mining settlements in the Americas, founded in 1530.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been the parish priest of El Cobre for eight years, and in addition,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0served as rector of the Sanctuary for about a year and a half.\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0had the mission of leading this heritage site for all Cubans, the Sanctuary of the Virgin, and ministering to the parishioners of El Cobre.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This has been a very spiritually blessed community in recent years.\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0received brothers and sisters from different countries, from other churches, who have brought retreats like\u00a0Effeta, Ema\u00fas and Bartimaeus\u00a0\u2014\u00a0great adventures of faith and love. It is a vibrant community that serves and strives to move forward amidst the difficulties our country faces.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Effeta,
Effeta, meaning \u201copen up\u201d in Hebrew, is a Catholic spiritual retreat for young people. Photo: Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the first news stories that spread on social media during the storm and then the impact of the hurricane was that some people in El Cobre had been isolated by a landslide. As the parish priest of the town, how did you perceive the danger of that situation and how did you act accordingly?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was aware of what was happening and\u00a0facilitated\u00a0contact between the isolated people and the rescue brigade. This occurred\u00a0almost before\u00a0the hurricane arrived. The people were frightened, but they were on the second floor with a solid structure below. Thank God no one was injured or harmed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aerial
Aerial photograph of the town of El Cobre showing the National\u00a0Sanctuary\u00a0of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patron saint of Cuba. Photo: EFE\/Ernesto\u00a0Mastracusa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The
The Sanctuary was inaugurated on September 8, 1927. Behind it, the Sierra Maestra mountains.\u00a0Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of destroyed houses in the town of El Cobre. Photo: EFE\/Ernesto\u00a0Mastracusa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of destroyed houses in the town of El Cobre. Photo: EFE\/Ernesto Mastracusa.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A\u00a0house for\u00a0everyone<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

How do you relate to the community? Do you have\u00a0a fluid, daily\u00a0relationship\u00a0with people, whether they are believers or not?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, there is a very fluid relationship. I believe that Christianity should be shown in concrete actions. As\u00a0St.\u00a0James says:\u00a0\u201cShow me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.\u201d\u00a0In El Cobre, given the difficult reality of Cuba, we have developed a social ministry with more than 12 projects for all ages: women with cancer, children with disabilities, people with Down syndrome, senior citizens, etc. But I would be nothing without my\u00a0work\u00a0team.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aid
Aid delivered by Caritas to residents of the town of El Cobre. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We strengthened the parish council, the sanctuary\u00a0council\u00a0and the projects team.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0not about the impact a priest could\u00a0have, but\u00a0about working together as a Christian community. Our help and our friendship are not conditioned by creeds, but simply by the mission the Lord gives us to love everyone, regardless of their beliefs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The house of Mary is the house of all Cubans: Catholic believers; non-believers; people with Afro-Cuban beliefs; people who come to culturally appreciate the Sanctuary; people\u00a0from\u00a0the right;\u00a0from\u00a0the left.\u00a0In accordance with\u00a0the pastoral mission of the Church, we are all brothers and sisters.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Inside
Inside the Marian temple, food delivered by Caritas to residents of El Cobre. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s\u00a0an ecumenical and collective effort, isn\u2019t it? You seem\u00a0very proud\u00a0of that team. Who are its members?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They are everyday people: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, teachers, a sociologist, a physical education teacher. They are also ordinary people without formal education but with enormous hearts. What is admirable is that, despite their own needs, they dedicate themselves to helping others. The work of listening and being close is\u00a0very important.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are these people dedicated 24 hours a day to the team, or do they balance these responsibilities with their personal and professional lives?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That is what makes them great and admirable. They share their work,\u00a0home\u00a0and social life with the work of the church. Only two or three people in the office are full-time. The rest divide their time and do it willingly. Amidst so many difficulties, they have found a path\u00a0for\u00a0personal fulfillment by helping those who are worse off. As a church that goes out to others, they, being integrated into society, can better understand people\u2019s needs than a priest.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"View
View of the town of El Cobre from the terrace of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The
The Sanctuary and the town of El Cobre. Photo: EFE\/Ernesto Mastracusa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leadership,\u00a0dialogue\u00a0and daily routine<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Father Rogelio, how have you achieved this quality of leadership? Would you say you have leadership qualities? What is your self-perception?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0see,\u00a0I think the key\u00a0is wanting to love and wanting to love wholeheartedly. Not focusing so much on personal limitations\u00a0\u2014\u00a0I have many, I say that sincerely\u00a0\u2014\u00a0but\u00a0rather looking\u00a0at what God can do through me. I feel\u00a0very small\u00a0on my own, and\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0why\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0always\u00a0sought\u00a0to\u00a0convene, to bring people together for a mission. I realize that in this way I can reach more effectively and more broadly in the mission.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And how would you describe your ability to dialogue with the authorities?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a priest, one\u00a0has to\u00a0be the priest of everyone: of those who think one way and those who think another.\u00a0As long as\u00a0there is a person of goodwill on the other side, I am willing to approach, dialogue, and work together.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes people tell me\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0too naive, but I always try to expect the best from others, to make them more empathetic. As Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed said,\u00a0\u201cHomeland is humanity.\u201d\u00a0I try to appeal to\u00a0the humanity\u00a0in every person, regardless of their position, and involve them in this mission to help as many people as possible during these\u00a0difficult times.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main needs of the El Cobre community today?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the hurricane,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0focused on providing food.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0the most basic need: to eat\u00a0in order to\u00a0survive, to serve others. We have 29 houses with emergency kitchens that\u00a0are providing\u00a0an average of a thousand meals a day in the town of El Cobre.\u00a0There\u2019s\u00a0also a great need for medicine. Just today I contacted friends in the United States to see if someone can travel and bring us paracetamol. Many people have\u00a0fever, aches and pains, and illnesses like chikungunya and\u00a0oropouche. We also need to repair homes, some\u00a0almost completely\u00a0destroyed, but that will take more time.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aid
Aid in Santiago de Cuba from the Community of Sant\u2019Egidio, a lay Catholic organization fully integrated into the Church. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How do you assess the\u00a0assistance\u00a0and solidarity of other Catholic and Evangelical churches in the face of this tragedy?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone is doing what they can. Joint projects are not common; each church works with its own people. But I know that other churches are doing\u00a0very good\u00a0things: helping,\u00a0encouraging\u00a0and providing spiritual and psychological support. There are also fraternal groups and related associations doing good, and that is what is needed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
A house without a roof in the town of El Cobre. Photo: EFE\/Ernesto Mastrascusa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m\u00a0interested in learning about your daily routine, Father. Could you describe a typical day for you, before and after the hurricane?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, after the hurricane.\u2026\u00a0The sanctuary is in a high place overlooking the entire town. Every morning, when I open the window, it pains me\u00a0greatly to\u00a0see the state of everything. I find strength in prayer and Holy Mass. I ask people to\u00a0come, because\u00a0we need to strengthen ourselves spiritually. It is God who lifts you up, motivates you, and encourages you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the day, I try to connect with as many people as possible. I spend the day asking questions, generating\u00a0ideas\u00a0and exchanging thoughts. Sometimes I get scolded for not having lunch, but there\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0enough time. I also receive groups and\u00a0individuals, because\u00a0this is the sanctuary of El Cobre. In addition, I\u00a0attend to the\u00a0different groups\u00a0in the parish. For example, in a little while,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0meeting with the youth group, and tomorrow, Saturday evening, with\u00a0the married\u00a0couples. For us, family is fundamental.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The protective measures minimized the hurricane damage. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Basilica, a national treasure<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

From what\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0said, I understand that the Basilica continues its intense pastoral life; it\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0interrupted by the hurricane?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not at all. We\u00a0immediately\u00a0began to gather everything and assess the damage. I must say that I have an exemplary\u00a0work\u00a0team at the Basilica. Many suffered serious losses in their homes and postponed tending to them to come and serve here, welcoming the people who come seeking comfort and faith.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What kind of damage did\u00a0the Basilica\u00a0suffer?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Primarily damage to the woodwork and\u00a0stained-glass\u00a0windows. The rest, we can say, is minor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And are the\u00a0stained-glass\u00a0windows part of\u00a0the\u00a0heritage?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, they are antique\u00a0stained-glass\u00a0windows; several had already been restored. We are in discussions with specialized companies, and there are prospects for restoration. We are not going to give up; we are already working on it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Valuable
Valuable stained-glass windows were damaged by the fury of the wind. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is great news. The Basilica is one of Cuba\u2019s greatest treasures. You are the parish priest of what is called\u00a0\u201cthe home of all Cubans.\u201d\u00a0Do you think there is another place with that level of devotion and spiritual significance?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I can tell you without exaggeration: it is the altar of our homeland. There is nothing more sacred than the mother, and Cubans understand this. That is why so many people come to\u00a0encounter\u00a0the Virgin. Under her protection, one feels safe, cared for, welcomed, loved.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What has the dialogue, the support and the\u00a0synergy\u00a0with the Cuban State been like?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are not ones to wait; we are ones to jump into action. Immediately after the hurricane, we began distributing food. I imagine the authorities needed time to organize themselves, but we were already active. They have gradually joined in with their own mechanisms. We are willing to collaborate in any way that\u00a0benefits\u00a0the people.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Father, do you have any news about the aid that will arrive from the United States?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We know it will arrive at some point. The Cuban institution\u00a0is in charge of\u00a0distributing it, and Caritas is present in all our parishes. We have prepared to receive that aid, and not only that, but any aid from any institution or country that comes. We are ready to distribute it responsibly and seriously.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Damage
Damage to the sculptural art in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Message to the victims<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are people who, except for their lives, have lost everything, not only in El Cobre, but throughout eastern Cuba. What would your message be for them?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do not lose faith,\u00a0hope\u00a0or love. If we lose those things, we allow ourselves to be destroyed by evil and circumstances. We are called to live and to help others to live. Every difficulty is a learning experience, an opportunity for personal growth. Now more than ever, we must be united, help each other more, and trust in God.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there electricity currently in El Cobre?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No, the electrical grid has been severely damaged. But work is underway. Many linemen and electricians from across the country, especially from the province of Artemisa, are making\u00a0a great effort. We have a generator at the sanctuary and the guesthouse, which allows us to offer cell phone charging services to the community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And the water service?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been intermittent.\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0also had problems with the water treatment plant.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0why we use a well with a turbine at our retreat house, next to the sanctuary. The entire community comes there to get drinking water, and we gladly provide it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Restoring
Restoring the church immediately after the hurricane. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Faith and an\u00a0uncomfortable\u00a0question<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

I\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0mean to overwhelm you, and I know your days are governed by a demanding schedule. A neighbor of mine asked me this question, and I want to pass it on to you:\u00a0\u201cHow is it possible that the Virgin, who protects us with her mantle, couldn\u2019t avert this catastrophe in\u00a0eastern Cuba?\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve\u00a0been asked this question before, even by a journalist who was here. Look, we\u00a0have to\u00a0differentiate between what God wills and what God allows. They are two different things. God certainly\u00a0couldn\u2019t\u00a0have willed this misfortune, this hardship, much less his mother, the Blessed Virgin, here in her home. However, there is a truth: God allowed it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The question\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0\u201cwhy?\u201d\u00a0because that would exhaust us.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0not a question of faith. The question is\u00a0\u201cwhat for?\u201d\u00a0What does God want to teach us, what do we want to learn from what has happened? In what sense can we grow\u00a0based on\u00a0this reality? How can we become stronger and better? That is the question that gives us light.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Virgin is in El Cobre, yes, but she is the mother of all humankind. The important thing is to see how God wants us to take advantage of what has happened.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
The original Virgin Mary of Charity, Cuba\u2019s patron saint, found in 1612, carved in wood, in her niche in the Minor Basilica of the Sanctuary of El Cobre. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, you have no doubts about your faith. Will faith always\u00a0accompany\u00a0you? Is it your firm ground?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe that faith\u00a0is what sustains a person. Most of the actions we perform during the day are acts of faith. And in moments of pain, of suffering, faith is what lifts us up, sustains\u00a0us\u00a0and makes us grow. Faith also leads you to love and hope. Our hope is not human; it is hope in God and in what He can do through me.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fr.
Fr. Rogelio Dean during his Sunday homily on November 9, 2025. Photo: Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Church\u2019s social doctrine is tested every day, but in these terrible days after Melissa, even more so.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3232,"featured_media":331103,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13902],"tags":[19256,31810,9931],"ppma_author":[33956],"class_list":["post-331099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cuba","tag-featured","tag-hurricanes","tag-virgin-of-the-charity-of-el-cobre"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMary\u2019s house, the hurricane and the prologue to a possible Cuba: a conversation with Father Rogelio Dean | OnCubaNews English<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"One of the many everyday protagonists in the construction of this Mart\u00ed-inspired paradigm is Father Rogelio Dean Puerta, ordained a priest in 2017, who readily agreed to answer OnCuba\u2019s questions.\" 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