The parish in Vueltas was founded in 1923. Its patron is Our Lady of the Angels, also known as the Virgin of the Angels. In recent years, diocesan priests, Franciscan priests, and now the Missionaries of the Holy Family have worked there for the parish. The parish has 4 branches located in villages and only 2 have chapels: Vega de Palma, Pierda, Taguayabon (chapel) and Sagua la Chica (chapel).
The most difficult thing is access to the mission in Sagua la Chica, which is 25 km away. to the main facility. In the event of a car breakdown, the missionary’s work becomes almost impossible, because transport is very rare and only twice a week can you see a bus going in this direction (if it runs at all), and the community can only meet on Saturdays, which makes pastoral work difficult , because on the same day we have afternoon mass in Taguayabon. In addition, there is the poor condition of the vehicle we use, which often results in long periods without the presence of a priest in the community. Even though it’s sad and sometimes painful, it’s a fact. When we encounter such a situation, we can plan and use this time for activities in the parish in Vueltas, where there is no shortage of activities.
We have many catechetical groups here: for adults, older youth, teenagers and children. There are also sick people who constitute a large group and are not limited only to members of the community or to believers. This service is not only the sacrament of the sick, but also visits and help, if we can, also financial help. A group of parishioners called visitators are responsible for the sick in the parish. They are divided into districts and, coordinated by the head, inform about existing situations and emerging needs in given regions. This is a slightly different way of operating the church CARITAS, this island, so beautiful but also in need of support – not only material support, but above all, spiritual support.
The reality of this part of the Church is completely different from what one might expect when looking at photos of Cuban nature or postcards from tourist cities. We prepare refreshments for children participating in catechesis, then parents send their children to catechesis so that they have free time, and if we have children, also from non-Catholic families where the faith is not practiced and they do not have support in faith. Thanks to this situation, there is a chance for evangelization (there are cases when children persist in faith as individuals), but unfortunately there are also divisions, because as some children grow up, they abandon the catechism in favor of a quieter life. which is sad and sets a bad example for others.
Unfortunately, we encounter such people on this beautiful island. The situation with the construction of the church is difficult, because after hurricane IRMA the parish was left without rooms, and soon afterwards also without a temple. The construction of catechetical rooms where Holy Mass is celebrated has recently been completed, but we are still in the process of building the church, which is not easy due to the difficult availability of materials, but thanks to donations and donations for the construction. The parish cannot build itself because the average salary of a Cuban is about $20 and the prices of construction materials are comparable to European ones. This is a summary of our community, which, despite adversities, tries to follow in the footsteps of the Master from Nazareth.
