Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Camaguey (Agenzia Fides) – From August 25-28, the Diocesan House of the Merced in Camaguey (Cuba) hosted the IV National Congress of the Holy Childhood Association. The event, which had the theme: “With Jesus We Sow Peace and Love,” brought together 435 children and adolescents along with 58 group leaders, representing Cuba's 10 dioceses. After receiving their papers for the Congress, the various missionary delegations went on pilgrimage to the church of Saint John of God, to pray before the remains of Fray Olallo, apostle of love and mercy, beatified in Cuba on November 28, 2008.
The first evening, the children received a “visit” from the Apostle Saint Paul, to whom the Congress was dedicated, as well as one from Fray Olallo, apostle of charity. Along with others, the two distributed sweets and candies to those present. That same evening, the participants welcomed the image of Our Lady of Charity (la Caridad), which since the First National Congress in September 2003, has been present at all the activities. The most intense day was Wednesday, August 26. In the morning, the group of “missionary reporters” did an interview with the Apostle Saint Paul on his life, letters, and his message for the young Cuban missionaries. In the evening, there was a Holy Hour with moments of prayer led by Fr. Osvaldo Cambra.
During the Closing Mass for the Congress, Archbishop Juan Garcia Rodriguez of Camaguey, President of the National Commission for the Missions, encouraged the children to be missionaries in their families, their neighborhoods, schools, and parishes, encouraging them to deepen in their knowledge of the Apostle Saint Paul and in his message for Christians today. He also asked that they participate with the joy and enthusiasm they are known for, in the mission that the Church is preparing for in honor of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the “Virgen de la Caridad.” At the close of the celebration, Enrique Cabrera Napoles, National Secretary for the Holy Childhood Association, gave thanks to God, and thanked Archbishop Garcia Rodriguez, Fr. Raul, and all the participants of the missionary event. (GT) (Agenzia Fides 31/8/2009)
