CDMX, Mexico.- When commemorating the 25th anniversary of the trip of the dad John Paul II to the island, the current pontiff, Franciscosent a message to Cuban men and women.
The letter was released by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba and has been replicated by various media. Juan Pablo’s visit took place between January 21 and 25, 1998.
Below we reproduce in full the letter of Francisco in this regard.
To the holy faithful People of God who make pilgrimages in Cuba
Dear brothers and sisters:
Twenty-five years have passed since the Apostolic Journey of Saint John Paul II to Cuba, a moment of grace and blessing for all. Within the framework of this anniversary, the bishops of that Episcopal Conference have had the courtesy to invite Cardinal Beniamino Stella, who in those years as Apostolic Nuncio was a privileged witness to that event, to visit them, and I have asked him to Take my greetings and blessing, expressing the Pope’s closeness to each one of you, to His Eminence Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, to the bishops, priests and seminarians, to the men and women religious and to all the lay faithful.
During this time, I would like you to make present in your hearts the gestures and words that my predecessor addressed to you during his visit, so that they resonate strongly in the present, and give a new impetus to continue building with hope and determination the future of that nation. One of his exhortations at that moment was: «i 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 a more dignified and free future! Do not forget that responsibility is part of freedom. Moreover, the person is defined mainly by his responsibility towards others and before history »(Message to Cuban youth, January 23, 1998).
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. Thank you for that example of collaboration and mutual help that unites you and that reveals the spirit that characterizes you: open, welcoming and supportive. Continue walking together with hope, knowing that always, and particularly in the midst of adversity and suffering, Jesus and his Most Holy Mother accompany you, help you carry the cross and console you with the joy of the resurrection.
As a sign of my closeness and communion with the beloved Cuban people, who have great writers and artists, I would like to recall a few words from Father Varela, which express the need to focus on the good and fruitfulness of this effort: “After the tree takes root, very soon it will spread its branches, and virtue will rest in its shadow». This tree full of vitality may well represent the man whose trust is rooted in the Lord, as the prophet Jeremiah says: «He is like a tree planted at the water’s edge, which extends its roots towards the stream; he is not afraid when the heat arrives and his foliage remains lush; he does not worry in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit »(Jr 17,8).
Trusting in the God of life, I invite you to continue delving into your 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.
Fraternally, Francisco
Rome, Saint John Lateran, December 8, 2022
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