Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Havana (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Church hopes in the growth of religiosity within Cuban society, favored by the relaxing atmosphere of dialogue matured in the last decade, in particular after the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998. In a statement issued on the occasion of the pilgrimage around the island of the image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, which has been prolonged until 30 December (see Fides 13/08/2010), Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Archbishop of La Havana, stressed that the country perceives the sensation of a new moment, "in which Christian faith has been re-evaluated". The pilgrimage of the image of Our Lady is among the festivities planned by the Catholic Church, started in 2008, to commemorate the 400 years of the discovery of the image of "Mother and Patroness" of Cuba, which culminates in 2012 with a Year of Jubilee called for all the dioceses in the country, during which many pilgrims are expected from both the island and abroad, visiting the Shrine of Cobre.
In the basilica, 12 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba, which is 861 km east of La Havana, the original image is exposed to public worship, found in 1612. "The celebration of the unique discovery could be propitious for a visit on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI" hopes Cardinal Ortega who has already addressed the invitation to the Pope. This event has helped to strengthen faith throughout the island and favored a sense of unity and prayer. "The times of fear are gone", the Virgin came to "awaken the faith that was dormant in our hearts". This portrait will be taken to hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. "It is amazing how its passage urges unity among all", said a chancellor of the Archdiocese of Havana in an interview with the Catholic magazine Palabra Nueva. The Virgin of Charity of Cobre is worshipped even by believers of the Yoruba religion, who believe represents Ochún, mulatto patron goddess of fresh water, with healing virtues and protector of pregnant women. Ochún wears yellow clothes, which is also the color of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre’s clothes. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 06/09/2011)
