Getting help to everyday Cuban people-6.18.26

As most of you probably know, if you pay much attention to the news, the people of Cuba are hurting right now. As a result of U.S. government policies, they have been placed under an oil embargo. That means energy, transportation, food – so many of the essentials of life – are in very short supply.

As you may know, I am a life professed member of a religious order (the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis). We are an international Anglican (Episcopal) order, and we have about 20 members in Cuba.

And they are suffering. We have an opportunity to help provide some assistance to the community there. My Order has been in communion with people on the ground, and they have told us about needs. Many things are available, but the prices have gone up, just like the prices locally have gone up. Things may be available – like food, clothing, medicine – but they are available in other locations, and transportation is difficult.

Energy has been a problem before, but where they might have had 4 hours of electricity a day, now maybe it's 2-3 hours. Solar technology, which could make up for some of that lack of petroleum-based electricity, would be very helpful. These are local Cubans who belong to local Anglican/Episcopal churches. Many are lay people; some are priests. In my opinion, since these folks are members of the order, you can assume they have been pre-screened to be compassionate and care about their communities, plus have an idea of local needs. It is a very clever way to distribute help if you can get resources to them.

We have a chance to help. Normally, US citizens can’t send money to anyone in Cuba due to the blockade. Our financial person (Bursar) has assured us that there are ways to get financial assistance to leaders in the community in Cuba. So I am inviting you to help show your love to our brothers and sisters.

If you are able to help, you can go to  The Third Order, scroll to the bottom of the page, hit the donate button, and make sure you put ‘CJP’ (and nothing else) in the “write a note” box that pops up after you pick your credit card options. If you have any questions or would like to donate another way, please contact me, Rick Pearce, your local Franciscan (215)919-5645.

We will see to it that the funds are then transferred to the Franciscans in Cuba.

Peace,

Rick Pearce