Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Cuba (Agenzia Fides) - "Standing here among you, I cannot but recall the historic visit to Cuba of my predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, who left an indelible mark on the soul of all Cubans", said Holy Father Benedict XVI on his arrival at the international airport of Santiago de Cuba, at 14 hours local time on Monday 26 March. The Pope described John Paul II’s visit "a gentle breeze of fresh air which gave new strength to the Church in Cuba", the important fruits of that visit include "the inauguration of a new phase in the relationship in Cuba between Church and State, in a new spirit of cooperation and trust, even if many areas in which greater progress can and ought to be made".
"I am pleased to share your joy as you celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of the holy statue of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre" continued Benedict XVI, whose devotion "has sustained the faith and inspired the defence and promotion of all that gives dignity to the human condition and its fundamental rights, and continues to do so today with ever greater strength, giving visible witness to the fruitfulness of the preaching of the Gospel in these lands, and to the profound Christian roots which shape the deepest identity of the Cuban soul". The Pope said he was in Cuba "to confirm my brothers and sisters in the faith and strengthen them in the hope", carrying in my heart "the just aspirations and legitimate desires of all Cubans, wherever they may be". Referring then to the particular economic difficulties that many countries of the world experience, Benedict XVI emphasized that "real progress calls for an ethics which focuses on the human person and takes account of the most profound human needs, especially man’s spiritual and religious dimension".
At 5.30 pm local time, the Holy Father presided at Plaza Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, on the occasion of the fourth Centenary of the discovery image of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre. "I cannot forget the sacrifices and dedication with which this jubilee has been prepared, especially spiritually - the Pope said in his homily -. I was deeply touched to hear the fervor with which Mary has been welcomed and invoked by so many Cubans during their journey to every corner of the island". So Benedict XVI focused on the meaning of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: "In Christ, God has truly come into the world, he has entered into our history, he has set his dwelling among us, thus fulfilling the deepest desire of human beings that the world may truly become a home worthy for man". He then stressed that "the Virgin Mary, by her unique role in the mystery of Christ, represents the exemplar and model of the Church" and continued: "I know with what effort, boldness and self-sacrifice you work every day so that in concrete circumstances of your country, and at this moment in history, the Church will better present her true face as a place in which God is draws near and encounters humanity. The Church, the living Body of Christ, has the mission of prolonging on earth the salvific presence of God, of opening the world to something greater than itself, to the love and the light of God". The Pope concluded his homily with an appeal: "before the gaze of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, I appeal to you to reinvigorate your faith, that you may live in Christ and for Christ, and armed with peace, forgiveness and understanding, that you may strive to build a renewed and open society, a better society, one more worthy of humanity, and which better reflects the goodness of God". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 27/3/2012)
