On 25 January 2026, the Order of the Pious Schools in Cuba experienced an event of profound joy and historical significance: the diaconal ordination of Brother Iván Guerra Álvarez, Sch. P. This celebration marks a milestone, as it is the first ordination of a Piarist religious on Cuban soil in 48 years, since the priestly ordination of Fr José Coviella, Sch. P., on 4 August 1978.
The same Shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Guanabacoa, witness to that earlier event, once again hosted a ceremony that brought together the Cuban ecclesial community, family members, religious from various congregations, and faithful from the Piarist parish of Saint Jude and Saint Nicholas. The church was filled with participants, a tangible sign of hope and renewed vitality.
Meaning in the Cuban vocational context
Brother Iván’s ordination is not an isolated event but forms part of a vocational awakening within the Piarist presence in Cuba. As was noted during the celebration, his journey is joined to that of other young men responding to the call: Brother Pedro Díaz, Sch. P., Brother Ernesto Cuba, Sch. P., another Brother, and an aspirant, Gian Carlo. This group represents a “great light” for the Church and Cuban society, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah (Is 8:23–9:4) proclaimed in the liturgy: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, a former Piarist student, highlighted in his homily the call to be active agents in preparing the way for Christ, the Light, to reign in Cuba, transforming it into a new Nazareth. This ordination thus becomes a powerful symbol of hope and renewal for a people longing for a new future sustained by faith.
Formation and gratitude
Deacon Iván Guerra’s formation journey is the fruit of communion and collaboration within the Pious Schools across different regions. It is important to acknowledge and express gratitude for the essential role played by the Piarist Provinces of Central America and the Caribbean, Nazareth and Emaus in his preparation. Their academic, spiritual and pastoral accompaniment has been an indispensable foundation for this moment. This ordination is also a shared achievement of these Provincial communities, which generously contribute to the growth of the Order.
A future built on memory and hope
The event also strengthened the bonds of the Union of the Cuban Piarist Family (UFEC), which entrusted the new deacon and the emerging vocational community to the protection of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. A new UFEC delegation in Cuba was formally established, with Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez as an active member.
The diaconal ordination of Iván Guerra Álvarez, Sch. P., is more than a personal celebration; it is a communal and historical event. It represents God’s faithfulness to His people, the resilience of the Pious Schools in Cuba after decades, and the promise of a flourishing future. Like a tree planted long ago, this vocational seed begins to bear fruit, announcing the possibility of a forest full of life for the Calasanctian mission on the island.
Fr Alberto Sola, Sch. P.
