The Cuban nun Sor Nadieska Almeida, widely recognized for her social work and spiritual commitment, recently denounced on social media the unauthorized use of her image in an official publication for propaganda purposes.
According to what was explained on Facebook, everything happened after a government visit to the nursing home where she works alongside other sisters and collaborators, a process that, she stated, is mandatory due to the state funding received by these institutions.
"During that visit, they asked us to take a photo, and I agreed. A few days later, I was surprised to find that they had uploaded it to social media without permission, accompanied by the following narrative: 'Together for a revolutionary ideal,'" the religious sister reported, upset about the manipulation of her image without her consent.
In a lengthy and powerful text titled “When the Night Weighs,” Sor Nadieska made it clear that she does not believe in the Cuban revolution, which she described as a “failure” and a "guillotine that is killing us year after year."
"I am giving my life for a single person: Jesus Christ. His project captivated me and gave meaning to my life nearly 33 years ago. I do not work for something I do not believe in. I do not believe, I do not hope, I see nothing valuable in the revolution," he stated.
The nun criticized the veiled threats that, she said, are exerted from the structures of power against those who express dissent, including the possibility of withdrawing state support.
He also harshly questioned the multiple problems plaguing Cuban society: hunger, power outages, lack of rights, repression of students, and the precariousness of basic services.
“How do you expect us to work together if you are willing to threaten to withdraw funding if anyone disagrees?” he questioned.
Despite the critical tone, Sister Nadieska made a call for hope and faith, quoting the Gospel: “I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
He encouraged Cubans to no longer remain silent and to trust in a different path, paving the way for real transformation.
"The night weighs on us heavily enough to have the courage of a mambí and tell you once and for all that the night will not be eternal," he concluded, recalling a phrase from the opposition figure Oswaldo Payá.
In previous interventions, Sister Nadieska Almeida had already publicly expressed her critical stance on the Cuban situation and the government's management of social issues.
In a message shared on social media, she stated: “Enough of pretending that we all think alike! That is imposition,” emphasizing her rejection of the ideological pressure exerted from those in power. She stressed that Cubans have the right to think differently, to discern, and to not repeat imposed slogans.
In another post, he once again spoke out emphatically about the reality of the country, describing life in Cuba as being characterized by endless blackouts, shortages of medication, humiliating queues, and miserable salaries.
Questioned the political use of the term "Revolution" as a justification for the suffering of the people and called for a more humane and just approach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sor Nadieska and the Situation in Cuba
Why does Sister Nadieska Almeida denounce the manipulation of her image?
Sor Nadieska Almeida denounced the unauthorized use of her image by the Cuban government in a propaganda publication. The nun expressed her disapproval of having her image used with the slogan "Together for a Revolutionary Ideal" without her consent, especially since she does not believe in the Cuban revolution, which she considers a failure.
What criticisms does Sor Nadieska make of the Cuban regime?
Sor Nadieska criticizes the Cuban regime for its veiled threats against those who express dissent and the social issues afflicting the country, such as hunger, power outages, and the lack of rights. She denounces that the government threatens to withdraw subsidies from institutions that disagree with its ideology.
What is Sor Nadieska's message to the Cubans?
Sor Nadieska encourages Cubans to speak out and to believe in a different path toward real transformation. In her message, she calls for hope and urges everyone to maintain faith in positive change, referencing the Gospel and the opposition figure Oswaldo Payá.
How does the Catholic Church react to the situation in Cuba?
Several members of the Catholic Church in Cuba, such as Sor Nadieska and priest Alberto Reyes, have taken a critical stance against the Cuban regime, denouncing repression, the lack of rights, and the emotional manipulation by the government. They are calling for action and personal responsibility to achieve change.
Filed under: