Prayer Gathering for Cuba in Miami
On Sunday, a large group of Cuban Americans and their allies convened at Bayside Park in Miami, Florida, to pray for an end to communism in Cuba, as reported by Univisión.
This event, called “Unite for a Free Cuba,” was organized by the Cuban Resistance Congress (ARC), a coalition representing various opposition groups both on the island and abroad advocating for human rights and democratic principles. It was part of a broader prayer initiative named “Save Cuba,” started in January to unite people of faith globally in their hopes for the Cuban people, who have endured 67 years of communist repression and hardship.
Notable attendees included religious leaders, human rights activists, artists, musicians, and politicians. Organizers emphasized that this gathering stood out in the history of anti-communist activism among Cuban expatriates, focusing on prayer rather than political leaders or strategies.
“We ask God to empower the Cuban people for the ultimate change to liberate Cuba,” stated Orlando Gutierrez Boronat, the ARC coordinator. He highlighted that this effort aligns with prayers from supporters in Cuba and throughout Latin America.
The event showcased a diverse group of Cuban exiles who, despite differing political views, shared a common goal. Figures like former President Trump supporter Alexander Otaola and Democratic radio host Enrique Santos reflected this unity of purpose, transcending their own political differences.
Many prominent figures attended, including Senator Rick Scott from Florida, Swedish lawmakers, long-time activist Rosa María Paya, and José Daniel Ferrer, a former political prisoner and head of the largest opposition group in Cuba, the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).
Ferrer described the rain during the event as “a blessing from God,” emphasizing the significance of the religious aspect in the fight for Cuba. “The communist regime has aimed to erase God from Cuban hearts, but the people have resisted,” he remarked. He argued that while atheism is central to communism, faith in God is essential for a society seeking freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.
Father Alberto Gutierrez spoke passionately, calling for “real change” in Cuba. His message stressed the need for genuine transformation rather than mere discussions, criticizing the current dictatorship for its repression and disregard for political discourse.
Reports have surfaced indicating that the Castro regime might be seeking talks with the Trump administration in light of recent political shifts in Venezuela. Although Cuban officials acknowledged communication with Washington, details remain vague.
On the global front, prayers for Cuba echoed alongside the Miami event. As noted by Gutierrez Boronat, ARC members and others committed to uniting their prayers with those of Cubans across the Florida Strait.
“The most important thing is that there are Cubans on the island who are praying to save Cuba. We share a common faith and purpose to end the dictatorship and envision a new nation,” he concluded.
Rolando Pérez Lora, a Cuban pastor arrested for sharing Bible verses online, also voiced his prayers for those affected and the liberation of Cuba during a worship session on his YouTube channel.
Reflecting on Biblical history, he made a poignant analogy comparing their hopes to the Israelites’ cries for a deliverer from oppression, expressing faith in a collective spiritual awakening for Cuba.
The “Save Cuba” initiative seeks to bring Cuban families to Christ and represents a bold stand against decades of violent persecution by the Cuban Communist Party, which has targeted both Christians and other faiths. Cuba, once predominantly Catholic, still retains a majority Christian population despite ongoing oppression.
According to Open Doors, Cuba is currently ranked 26th on their World Watch List, indicating significant dangers facing Christians there, placing it above nations like Qatar and Mozambique, marking it as a troubling place for people of faith.
