Help the People of Jamaica & Cuba

Hurricane Melissa—one of the strongest storms to form in the Caribbean, has impacted communities in Jamaica and Cuba where our friars serve; we’re grateful to share that the friars are safe. Source: “Friars begin cleanup following Hurricane Melissa” — Friars.us.

In Havana, power was restored after an eight-hour outage, and the island’s western region experienced rain but was largely spared wind damage (see source above).

In Jamaica, cleanup began immediately. The friars reported clearing debris—including fallen coconut and uprooted mango trees, assessing buildings, and planning next steps. Their first priorities were checking whether St. Anthony Kitchen could resume food operations and visiting three parish locations to evaluate damage and community needs (see source above).

Before the storm’s arrival, St. Anthony Kitchen remained open as long as possible, serving about 200 meals on Monday, and was among the only services operating that day. Early inspections show the friary itself has no damage, while the church roof peeled back in two spots (see source above).

In response to urgent needs, Franciscan Friars Charities has mobilized the Franciscan Relief Fund to support food service, parish recovery, and community assistance.

How You Can Help

• Donate to the Franciscan Relief Fund: Give online here. This weekend, special collection baskets are available throughout the church. Thank you for your generosity.

• Share: Help spread the word so aid can reach those who need it most.

Together, we can accompany our sisters and brothers as they rebuild, bringing food, comfort, and hope in the days ahead. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.