Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Juan, Puerto Rico (Agenzia Fides) – The Archbishop emeritus of Seville, Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo, Special Envoy of Pope Benedict XVI presided at a solemn Eucharist on Sunday, November 18, in front of thousands of Catholics from all over the country, at the Sport Palace José Miguel Agrelot, to celebrate the fifth centenary of the arrival of the first Bishop of the Catholic Church in the Americas. "The ship of the Church of Puerto Rico is made of fragile wood, but the sailors, Christians who carry it forward, are of iron," the Cardinal said in his homily, then continued: "It is a very free Church because the Word of God is never tied down. It is a living Church." Those present applauded and cheered when the Cardinal said that the Blessed Carlos Manuel Santiago is "a beautiful fruit of 'boricua' holiness (Puerto Rican)."
The note sent to Fides Agency informs that the Archbishop of San Juan, His Exc. Mgr. Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, presented Cardinal Amigo Vallejo and pointed out the reason for the celebration: to thank the Lord for the arrival of the first Bishop on the island, Alonso Manso, on December 25, 1512. With this event the structuring of the Church in the New World began. "He was the first - said Archbishop Gonzalez Nieves -. But what is really important is not to give thanks for a remote fact, even if we are still proud to say that he was here, in the 'tierra del Coqui', that the Catholic Church had its first seat, but, although it is 500 years old, it is still a young Church."
The Archbishop of San Juan pointed out that the Church supports the defense of life, marriage between a man and a woman, and promotes peace and justice. "Faith makes us see the world with joy and hope," said the Archbishop, who concluded saying, "Long live the people of Puerto Rico! Long live Christ the King! "Followed by a loud "hurray" and applause on behalf of the crowd present. The ceremony lasted about 4 hours, enriched by the participation of the Choir of the Diocese of Mayagüez, and concluded with the act of devotion to Our Lady in front of the statue of the Virgin of Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia, the patron saint of Puerto Rico, of the nineteenth century. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2012)
