Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Havana (Agenzia Fides) – On June 5, the Community of Sant'Egidio inaugurated the “Home of Peace and Dialogue” in Havana (Cuba). From now on, it will serve as the headquarters of the movement on the island.
At the presence of the cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, of the Cuban authorities, among whom the Historiador De la Ciudad, Prof. Eusebio Leal and Caridad Diego, director of the Office for religious affairs of the Cuban communist party, Prof. Andrea Riccardi inaugurated a building in the historical part of Havana.
The Community has been present in Cuba since 1992, thanks to the work of a small group of young people, university students, who formed the first fraternity in Havana, which soon spread to the Dioceses of Pinar del Rio, Cienfuegos, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba.
The inauguration of the new site in the historic part of Havana shows the sooperation that the Community has maintained with local authorities over the years, especially with Dr. Eusebio Leal, Historian of the City, who acknowledged the Community as a model of solidarity and friendship.
Dr. Roland Garrido, head of the Community in Cuba, mentioned that this was a special and unforgettable day for the entire Church, as it is a sign of dialogue... “dialogue that arises from the Gospel commandment of love, as intelligent dialogue, dialogue of culture, friendship, service, and gratuity.” “Thus, this is why those of us who live in this house should be responsible individuals for our City, for Cuba, for the world, for our Church. With this perspective, we face our tasks, strong in our convictions and fortified in the art of dialogue and love for all.”
Andrea Riccardi mentioned that the new house is a sign of Sant'Egidio's roots in Cuba, as it is a project that has been underway for several years and that was able to finally be finished, thanks to the support of the civil and religious authorities of Cuba. He also mentioned that this new presence will be inserted into the old structure of Havana, making the Historic Center a window to the world. “This house is not only a representation of Sant'Egidio, but the expression of a Cuban Community that feels at home in the popular world of Old Havana and in the openess of this capital to the world, to the religions, and to culture,” he concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2009)
