Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez of Santiago de Cuba has emphasized the significant needs of the Cuban people. As the nation prepares to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's patroness, on September 8th, the archbishop highlighted the symbolic importance of this figure in Cuban identity and hope, as reported by Religión Digital.
"Our people are in great need. We are enduring very challenging times, yet we understand that the only way to navigate life is by entrusting ourselves to God's hands," he stated. García Ibáñez further remarked, "Wherever there is a Cuban, whether on the island or abroad, the 8th of September will be remembered as the day of Our Lady of Charity."
The preparatory novena for the feast commenced across the island on August 30th. "Not only in Cuba, but also in all places and communities that cherish, love, remember, and venerate our patroness, the Virgin of Charity," he expressed. "The Virgin of Charity is a symbol of Cuban identity because she represents us as a people. As her name suggests, she embodies love," he added.
The archbishop encouraged the faithful across Latin America and the Caribbean to join in prayer for peace, justice, and fraternity in Cuba. "Remember her words: do whatever He tells you. Pray for our people and join us," the archbishop urged.
The Archbishop's Call for Unity and Peace
Archbishop García frequently advocates for improved living conditions for Cubans during his homilies. In May of last year, he called upon Cubans to seek harmony and embrace diverse perspectives as a path to peace. "With the potential our people have, let's learn to live in harmony, with one heart and one soul, despite our different ways of thinking, and together find solutions that lead us to be born in peace, work in peace, eat in peace, and die in peace," García expressed during a prayer of supplication, as reported by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.
In March of the previous year, during the Palm Sunday Eucharist, García appealed to the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre for power, food, and freedom, echoing the requests made by pilgrims to the Patroness of Cuba. "We want to live with more ease; we want to strive for a normal life where everyone can pursue their plan, their life project, where life is not a constant struggle and toil," García Ibáñez declared at the feet of the Virgin.
Understanding the Role of the Church in Cuban Society
What did Archbishop García Ibáñez emphasize about the Cuban people's needs?
Archbishop García Ibáñez emphasized the significant needs and challenges facing the Cuban people, noting that the only way to face these difficulties is by placing trust in God.
How does the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre symbolize Cuban identity?
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is considered a symbol of Cuban identity as she embodies love and hope, representing the unity and spirit of the Cuban people.
What message did García share with Latin American and Caribbean faithful?
García encouraged the faithful across Latin America and the Caribbean to join in prayer for peace, justice, and fraternity in Cuba, urging them to pray and unite with the Cuban people.