Spring 2026 from Father Javier Aparicio Suárez OSB, Abbot President of the Congregation of Sankt Ottilien

Energy Crisis

The situation here in Cuba remains complicated, above all due to the worsening energy crisis that started some years ago. The Cuban government had been receiving fuel assistance from the Venezuelan government, but after the U.S. military operation in Caracas which unseated Nicolas Maduro, Cuba has lost its primary source of the fuel it needs to keep the generators running which provide electricity to the general public. Multiplying that loss, the U.S. has threatened to impose taxes on countries that would help Cuba with its oil needs.

The effects of the lack of oil on the daily life of Cubans are too many to mention. Daily blackouts affect not only government institutions like schools and hospitals, but also public transit like buses and private transportation, including planes. Due to lack of aviation fuel, many international carriers have cancelled flights to Cuba.

The daily lives of Cubans consist of endless queues to obtain the most basic foodstuffs at exorbitant prices, health care that increasingly lacks the most essential items, and workers who travel to their jobs by bicycle or on foot for hours and hours, in the absence of public transportation.

There is no doubt that life for Cubans has become even more difficult, if that is even possible… The situation in recent years has deteriorated to levels never seen before, not even since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when aid decreased dramatically. Due to the present crisis, ordinary people rally peacefully but, in some instances, some have turned violent.It is therefore not surprising that Cuba has faced the largest exodus in its history in recent years, with figures exceeding one million citizens, mainly young people, since 2021.

Community Farming and Construction

In the midst of this situation, our community San José de las Lajas, became famous because, in the words of a provincial superior, "you are building a monastery, that is to say, you intend to continue, to stay here; and because you produce and offer basic food to the population."

Construction of the monastery continues slowly. Workers arrive via bicycles, and almost all the work is done by hand due to the lack of fuel and electricity. The workers do work like installing trusses, but installing the flooring has stopped due to the absence of cement. Last month, three containers of materials arrived in Cuba from Spain, but due to fuel shortages, they were unable to transport them to the monastery.

Our farming operation also continues, but on a much reduced scale. On the farm, we use a tractor only when absolutely necessary. So far we have planted different vegetables and corn, but rice farming will be affected because of the fuel problem. Rice is the staple food here in Cuba, and many of the church’s kitchens will need rice this year because rice farmers can't plant rice due to the fuel problem. We wanted to extend our rice farm because of the demand, but it all depends on the availability of fuel for our machineries. If this critical situation continues, we will have to leave many areas unplanted.

Despite the fuel issues, we are relieved that after two years of planning, making contracts, importation etc., we finally installed an irrigation system. This new submersible turbine will provide water not only to the farm but also to the monastery. We thank the St. Otmarsberg Abbey in Uznach, Switzerland for their generous support on the procurement and installation of our irrigation system.

Community News

Good news is the arrival of Fr. Clemente from the Abbey of Waegwan, South Korea. After his visit to our community last year, he expressed his desire to be assigned here in Cuba, which the council of the congregation approved. Previously Fr. Clemente had stayed in the monastery of Ravanal, Spain serving the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. He is now in charge of our house in Havana named La Casa de San Benito which is near the parish of Jesus del Monte.

Fr. Basil, the secretary of the congregation, visited our community from December 23 to January 8, 2026. Also, a group of 8 Koreans from Canada visited us last January 24. This group visits us yearly, and this year they provided generous monetary support, and also brought food, medicines, and various items for the community. Fr. Aaron received the group and celebrated a Korean mass for them. Afterwards as a sign of our unity and thanksgiving to the group we had lunch together.

In early March, Abbot Javier, President of the congregation, visited us (photo at top of page). He assessed the current situation of our community as well as the construction work. His next visit will be in May with Fr. Maximillian, the procurator of the congregation, and Virginia, the architect of our monastery.

Prayers for Cuba

Cuba is living in a very difficult phase. The problem is not only the energy crisis or the scarcity of materials, but also the tiredness and the lack of the will to survive and to go on. Exhaustion is taking its toll on the Cuban people; the crisis is no longer an occasional problem; uncertainty about the immediate future is deepening a wound that has been open for so long. Money transfers from friends and family continue to arrive from abroad, providing minimal help to survive amidst despair.

And amidst the despair, solidarity and the continued capacity to help one another have also been evident. In this context, religious communities—those that have not yet left—continue to play an important role, offering not only companionship and consolation, but also real support, to the extent possible, both human and spiritual.

It is up to Cuba and the Cuban people to decide their future. In the years to come, Cuba must rebuild itself, both in terms of its people and its infrastructure; a reconstruction that will restore dignity to its people—morally, socially, and spiritually. This future will require everyone's help.

In this arduous journey, our community is a sign of perseverance, struggle, generous work and commitment to those who need it most. We ask you then to remember Cuba and us always in your prayers. Your support and generosity to our community is well appreciated not only us, the monks, but also the people we serve.