The Pope Francisco sent a message to the Cuban people this Friday on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to the Island.
In the message, the Holy Father defines John Paul II’s trip to Cuba as “a moment of grace and blessing for all” and encourages Cubans “to give new impetus to continue building the future of their nation with hope and determination.” », according to a report by the Efe agency.
On the occasion of commemorating the 25th anniversary of the visit of Saint John Paul II to Cuba, the Holy Father Pope Francis has sent a warm message to the holy faithful People of God who are pilgrims in Cuba within the framework of this anniversary, and in which he announces also of the pleasant visit
— Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba (@obispos_cuba) January 14, 2023
Francis recalled the words of Pope Wojtyla during that visit, when he urged Cubans to “face with strength and temperance, with justice and prudence the great challenges of the present moment; return to your Cuban and Christian roots, and do everything in your power to build an increasingly dignified and free future.”
“I also encourage them to return to their Cuban and Christian roots, that is, to their own identity, which has generated and continues to generate the life of that country. Those roots have been strengthened, allowing us to see them grow and flourish in the testimony of so many of you who work and sacrifice every day for others, not only for your family, but also for your neighbors and friends, for the whole town, and so special for those most in need”, Francisco now added.
In turn, he urged citizens to continue “walking together with hope, knowing that always, and particularly in the midst of adversity and suffering, Jesus and his Blessed Mother accompany them, help them carry the cross and console them with joy.” of the resurrection.”
As a sign of “my closeness and communion with the dear Cuban people, who have great writers and artists,” the Supreme Pontiff exposed a few words from Father Félix Varela: “After the tree settles down, it will soon spread its branches, already virtue will rest in its shadow».
At the end of his message to the Cuban people, the Pope invites them “to continue delving into their own roots with courage and responsibility, and continue bearing fruit united in faith, hope and charity.”
“May Jesus bless the Cuban people and Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre take care of them and accompany them. I pray for you and I ask you, please, to pray for me,” the letter concludes.
The visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba was the result of years of negotiations based on the invitation that then-President Fidel Castro made to him personally during his visit to the Vatican in November 1996.
In Cuba, Pope Karol Wojtyla, of Polish origin, celebrated his first mass in Santa Clara, and the next in the city of Camagüey. In Santiago de Cuba he crowned the image of the Virgin of Charity of El CobrePatroness of Cuba, and her last mass to the people was celebrated on January 25 in the Plaza de la Revolución, in Havana, which was attended by Fidel Castro.
After their historic stay, they also visited the Island the recently late Pope Benedict XVIbetween March 22 and 26, 2012, and Pope Francis himself between September 19 and 20, 2015.
Efe/OnCuba
