THE MEMBERS
CHAPLAINS – BRIGADE 2506
Fr. Jorge Sardinas Menocal, S.J.
He received instructions from the Jesuit Provincial that he would speak with Manuel Artime and read a sermon to motivate the young men. In August 1960, he arrived at Finca Helvetia in Mexico. There, Colonel Napoleón Valeriano (Vallejo) joined the base. He was a Cuban from Matanzas who later joined the Jesuits. He was tasked with sending chaplains to the camps.
Fr. Cipriano Cavero, S.J.
He arrived at the camps in September and later was assigned to the Escuela de Fusilamiento (Firing School) in Retalhuleu. He flew as a volunteer for the CIA aboard a chartered plane, on a trip transporting supplies to Playa Girón. Upon landing, he was captured. He spent 28 months in prison under Captain José Crespo Lorenzo Pérez. He was released by order of Manuel Artime.
Fr. Ismael Lugo Alba
He was appointed head of the Brigade chaplains. He had been an Army chaplain and had also participated in the Second World War. He arrived at Playa Girón and was captured. He spent two years in prison with the members of the Brigade. His name appears in the book El Polo, where he was responsible for hearing the confession of Aurelio Pérez Lugones, 2nd Lieutenant of Brigade 2506 Intelligence.
Fr. Tomás Macho Castillo, S.J.
He participated as a chaplain in the Brigade. He was captured at Playa Girón and was in prison with the members of the Brigade. While imprisoned, he was offered his freedom if he responded “yes” to all the Brigade members being executed, but he said “no.” (Letter from Fr. Tomás Macho, S.J. to Nuncio Apostolic in Havana, dated August 14, 1962.)
Fr. Segundo de las Heras, C.M.F.
Chaplain assigned to the Brigade Headquarters. He was captured at Playa Girón and spent time in prison with the Brigade members.
Fr. Enrique Osle Tur, S.J.
Chaplain assigned to the Brigade. He was unable to disembark.
Fr. Andrés Benítez Pineda, S.J.
Chaplain of the Brigade ship Insignia during the invasion, under Captain Juan Cosculluela.
Fr. José González Rubio
Chaplain of the ship Santa Ana. He was taken prisoner and could not disembark.
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