Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Havana (Agenzia Fides) – “We ask that you all join in celebrating the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the “Virgen de la Caridad” in the year 1612. We have sent out this invitation to all Cubans, because she is ours, whether we are believers or not, Catholics and Protestants alike. We also send our greeting out to our brother Cubans living outside the country, because the “Virgen de la Caridad” is the symbol of our homeland, what unites us to our families, our people, and above all, to the Mother of Christ.” With these words, the Bishops of Cuba opened their message sent out to all Cubans on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the image of the “Virgen de la Caridad” and of her presence in the country.
In light of the occasion, the Bishops’ Conference has declared a Jubilee Year in 2012, with three years’ preparation time. This preparatory stage was begun with an Opening Mass celebrated in the Basilica “de la Caridad” in El Cobre, on August 30. All the Bishops of Cuba, as well as various representatives from the country’s dioceses were present. All the church bells on the island tolled in unison to mark the beginning of these three years. The Bishops have drawn up a special pastoral plan to be carried out during these three years. The theme of the program is “To Jesus through Mary; charity unites us.” With this celebration, a special evangelization mission has been launched in Cuba, united to that of the Great Continental Mission launched at the close of the Third American Missionary Congress (CAM 3).
“This image, found and received with love, is the religious symbol that expresses and manifests the religious spirit of the Cuban people in a special manner. With that, we could say that from the altar in Cobre, the ‘Virgen de la Caridad’ has been present in the hearts of almost all Cubans and has accompanied us over the course of our history,” the Bishops’ Message continued.
After recalling the story of how the image was come upon, the construction of the chapel and then the Shrine, following an increased devotion among the Cuban people, the Bishops affirm that “she continues to be a light of hope and promise for a better future.” The Blessed Virgin Mary wished to remain among us under the advocation of Charity (“Caridad”), “which means love, and in her maternal presence, as Cubans we become aware of the brotherhood that should reign among us, that moves us towards understanding, forgiveness, justice, solidarity, tolerance, and love among all Cubans. This is the only way to reach a better future for our families and our homeland.”
Thus, they encourage all “to be thankful to God and act according to His love” and “the best offering we can make to the Virgin Mary is to imitate her.” “In her we can always find the values that are so needed by our people.”
The Holy Father, Benedict XVI mentioned the beginning of this three-year preparation period prior to the 400th anniversary of the “Virgen de la Caridad,” in his Angelus address given on Sunday, August 31. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 1/9/2008)
