杏MAP导航

By Lisa Zengarini

杏MAP导航 Francis has sent a letter to Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez of San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Bishops and the People of God of Cuba.

He conveyed his blessings and closeness to the Cuban Church, as it marks the 25th anniversary of 杏MAP导航 St. John Paul II鈥檚 Apostolic Journey to the country, on 21-25 January 1998.

The message was consigned by Cardinal Beniamino Stella, Prefect Emeritus of the former Congregation for Clergy, who at the time was the Apostolic Nuncio to Cuba, and has been invited to the celebrations.  

Cuban Christian roots have flourished

Recalling the words addressed by St. John Paul II to the youth of Cuba on 23 January 1998, 杏MAP导航 Francis encouraged the Cuban faithful to continue building the future of their nation 鈥渨ith hope and determination."

He also urged them to return to their 鈥淐hristian roots鈥� and identity so as 鈥渢o build a future of ever greater dignity and freedom鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 noted that those roots 鈥渉ave grown and flourished鈥� in the testimony of many Cubans working every day for others, 鈥渁nd especially for the most needy鈥�.

Continue walking together

The 杏MAP导航 then thanked the Cuban people for their 鈥渆xample of collaboration and mutual help鈥� that unites them and reveals the spirit that characterizes the Cuban people: "openness, hospitality and supportiveness".

Citing the Servant of God Felix Varela Morales, a Cuban priest and philosopher, as a testimony of the "need to take root in goodness and the fruitfulness of this effort鈥�,  杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his letter by inviting the Cuban people to continue 鈥渢o go deeper into鈥� their roots 鈥渨ith courage and responsibility鈥�, and to bear their fruits 鈥渦nited in faith, hope and charity鈥�.