Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Havana (Agenzia Fides) - “The pilgrim Church in Cuba is preparing for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the image of the “Virgen de la Caridad,” which was found floating in the Bay of Nipe, by two Indians and a black slave in 1612,” says Fr. Raul Rodriguez, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Cuba, in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides explaining the program and importance of this event for the entire nation.
He explains that “this event is not only important for the Church, but for all Cubans. As modern historians say, the “Virgen de la Caridad” is part of the Cuban identity and has played an important role in the formation of Cuban nationality. Thus, the communities will spend three years preparing for the great Jubilee of the year 2012.”
In addition, they hope to live the event with a missionary spirit, as “celebrating this event is an opportunity for our Church to once again renew its commitment to the mission, as it has been since 1986, when at the close of the Cuban National Ecclesial Encounter (ENEC), we chose to become a prayerful and missionary Church. It will also lead us into the Continental Mission, in the presence of Our Lady of “la Caridad del Cobre,” Mother of all Cubans, whose devotion is very much a part of the lives of Cuban families. Through her, many Catholics whose faith is dormant or is simply a tradition, will come to find Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
According to the schedule given by the Bishops, “in this initial year (2008-2009), we contemplate Maria de la Caridad as God's gift to our people, focusing on the discovery of the image and her presence, and making it our missionary activity to bring Her image to all Cuban homes. In the second year (2009-2010), we contemplate Maria de la Caridad, pilgrim among Cubans, who will lead us to find Christ, who is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life to save us. During this year, there will be celebrations held in the parishes and houses of prayer. In the third year (2010-2011), we will contemplate Maria de la Caridad who encourages and accompanies the Church in serving her people, in the Church who is Mother, led by the Holy Spirit. During this year, there will be a national pilgrimage to the image of the 'Virgen de la Caridad' from each of the 11 Cuban dioceses.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2008)
