Saturday, March 17, 2012

Cuba: Is it time for faith after Fidel?

Jesus after Fidel. 

As it awaits the fruits of Benedict XVI’s visit to the island, the Cuban Episcopate (led by papal diplomats) is busy preparing for the scenario of a “post-Castro” Cuba, with programme based on “faith and reconstruction.” 

The Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Substitute for General Affairs to the Secretary of State, is personally supervising diplomatic and pastoral work being carried out on the Caribbean island.

He was chosen for the task because of his experience and knowledge of Cuba's reality, which he gained during his time as Apostolic Nuncio to Havana. A sort of revival of the dialogue with communism which had take place during the Cold War. 

The Episcopal Conference hopes that the Pope’s visit will “favour peace and reconciliation” in the Caribbean island. Benedict XVI could meet the father of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro, during his trip to Cuba at the end of March but this is not currently in the official schedule.

According to a statement by an official from the Cuban Catholic Church, a meeting between the Pope and Fidel Castro “is not in the Holy Father’s schedule, but could take place.” Joseph Ratzinger’s visit to Cuba from 26 to 28 March will be the first since John Paul II’s trip in January 1998. John Paul II had been in favour of a revival of relations between the Catholic Church and the Cuban communist regime. 

Benedict XVI will celebrate two public masses: one on 27 March in Santiago de Cuba, on the eastern part of the island and one in Havana on 28 March. He will also meet Raul Castro, who took over from his brother, Fidel, in 2006, after the latter withdrew from political scene for health reasons. The Cuban Episcopal Conference has invited “all Cuban people” to welcome Benedict XVI “with affection” and “enthusiasm.”

In a recent interview, two Cuban prelates, Mgr. Emilio Aranguren, Bishop of Holguin and Auxiliary Bishop of Havana, Juan de Dios Hernandez clearly outlined the position of the Cuban Church: “The country is moving in a different way than before, and this could be a sign of progress towards democracy and a new way of governing.”

Mgr. Hernandez told the Vatican news agency Fides that “in Cuba there is only one political party, but in a democratic state we need different political parties.” Six years ago it was impossible to express different opinions, “but today yes, and the comments of other individuals or groups are taken into account.” 

The Cuban Episcopate thus recognises that change is taking place in the Country, even if this is slow. The Auxiliary Bishop of Havana spoke about the public actions taken by the island’s ecclesiastical hierarchies: “I think in the future the Church will have a better chance of being present in those areas that are part of its mission and where a greater presence is required.”

"The Catholic Church, in fact, is not a political party "but" is in the service of the people.”The Cuban government officials appear to have realized the importance of spiritual values which the Church has for the people," Mgr. Hernandez said. Recently, the Cuban President, Raul Castro, attended the inauguration of the San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary – the first structure to be built on the island, by the Church, in 50 years. 

Relations between the Cuban State and the Church have improved since the latter denounced Fidel Castro’s expulsion of about a hundred priests during the 60’s. President Raul Castro attended Jose Olallo’s beatification in Camaguey (Eastern Cuba), in 2008. In May 2010 a dialogue began between Bishop Ortega and Raul for the release of political prisoners. 

Granma, the Cuban Communist Party’s official newspaper, gave special importance to Benedict XVI’s visit, announcing the news on its front page.

“The Pope is coming to our Country as a Pilgrim of Charity. As we know, Charity is the name we Cubans have given the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ and with this name she has accompanied, protected and consoled our people continuously throughout our 400-year history. The Pope’s visit to Cuba is of particular relevance during the Mariano Jubilee Year, after three years of preparation in communities and, additionally, the unforgettable, joyous memories of the Mambisa Virgin’s tour across our country.” 

Bishops are asking faithful to dedicate three days to preparation for the Pope’s visit: “we invite the faithful to dedicate three days of prayer and mission work during the week prior to the Pope’s arrival.”

The 2012 Jubilee Year is dedicated to giving thanks to God for the gift of the Virgin of Charity; to putting Christian love into practice, with greater effort and generosity; to making pilgrimages to the Santuario del Cobre and to taking the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Father, thus strengthening the Christian roots of our nation.” 

The letter then mentions the schedule for Holy Father’s visit and invites Cubans to participate in the two Eucharistic celebrations that are due to take place: one in Plaza Antonio Maceo (26 March) and the other in Plaza José Martí, in Havana (28 March). 

The Bishops of Cuba wish to invite the entire people to receive the Holy Father Benedict XVI with the affection and enthusiasm due one who comes in the name of the Lord,” the letter from the Cuban Episcopal Conference (COCC) reads. Importantly, the Episcopate’s letter is addressed to “the entire people” of Cuba, not just to Catholic faithful.