Pope: May Cuba advance along the ways of renewal and hope
Santiago de Cuba
(AsiaNews) - The Pope prays that Cuba may advance along the ways of renewal and
hope, as already on his arrival, he remembers the prisoners and those who
suffer. Benedict
XVI, this afternoon (local time) left Santiago de Cuba bound for Havana, but
before leaving the city he visited the shrine of the "Virgen de la
Caridad" El Cobre, where he stopped to pray and perform the ritual for
Jubilee year in the fourth centenary of the sacred statue's discovery, lighting
a candle and reciting the prayer to the Virgin.
The
Pope, then, facing the main entrance of the sanctuary to greet and bless the
faithful gathered in the square and along the staircase. "Receive
- he told them - the affection of the Pope and carry it with you from this
place, so that everyone can experience consolation and strength in faith. Let
all those you meet know, whether near or far, that I have entrusted to the
Mother of God the future of your country, advancing along the ways of renewal
and hope, for the greater good of all Cubans".
"
I have also prayed to the Virgin for the needs of those who suffer, of those
who are deprived of freedom, those who are separated from their loved ones or
who are undergoing times of difficulty. I have placed in her Immaculate Heart
your young people, that they may be authentic friends of Christ and not succumb
to things which bring sadness in their wake. Before Mary of Charity, I remember
in a particular way Cubans who are the descendents of those who arrived here
from Africa, and the nearby people of Haiti, who still suffer the consequences
of the earthquake of two years ago. And I cannot forget the many country people
and their families who wish to live the Gospel deeply in their homes and who
offer their homes as mission centres for the celebration of Mass".
"Following
the example of the Most Holy Virgin, I encourage all the sons and daughters of
this dear country to continue to build their lives on the firm rock which is
Jesus Christ, to work for justice, to be servants of charity and to persevere
in the midst of trials. May nothing or no one take from you your inner joy
which is so characteristic of the Cuban soul".
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