Cuba, the Pope and the sun spots

By Elsa Claro

HAVANA – Out of a desire for notoriety, rather than expressing conviction or certainty, some news sources and their broadcast media are virtually accusing Pope Benedict XVI of being “a Eurocentric pope, especially concerned by the alarming de-Christianization of Europe.”

In a contradictory statement they say – in a tone suggesting disrespect, not understandable conclusions – that the Catholic Church is losing parishioners in the New World, in view of the proliferation of ancient and new evangelical doctrines or because of the lack of the parishioners’ religious discipline.

Whether this information is manipulated or true, we must point out that the Holy Father’s approaching visit already has managed to slow down the violence that pervades Mexico, his first stop. There, various criminal organizations recently posted signs announcing a sort of moratorium in their activities.

By April 16, when Benedict celebrates his 85th birthday, he will not be on the soil of “la Virgen de Guadalupe” or on the island of “la Cachita,” as the Virgin Mary is known in Mexico and Cuba, respectively, where she is venerated by most believers.

That will happen two weeks after what looms like a memorable pastoral journey, which already has many foolish adversaries who, despite their denials, lack faith or human kindness and respect.

Despite the bad predictions and twisted intentions, a great many Catholics are expected to arrive in Mexico and Cuba from Central and North America. Among Cuban people, who best reflect the majority’s feelings, these are some of the prevailing opinions:

 “I returned from the United States on March 5. Already it was difficult to book flights to Cuba because many U.S. citizens and people from Spanish-speaking America came or are about to come to the acts officiated by the Pope, whom I consider a good shepherd of God, even though I am not Catholic but Baptist. I think Benedict XVI brings a message of peace and encouragement that is important for our people.

“I know that many think only about material things as the most significant aspect of their lives. They make a mistake, because spirituality is mandatory. To be near God, to hear his teachings is the main thing. And I am sure that in Pope’s intentions and actions are to elevate that spirituality that human beings need so much nowadays.” (Marcos Mederos, deacon of the Moses Nathaniel McCall Church.)

“I am not a believer, but I respect Santeria just as much as the Pope, and that’s the truth. It seems to me that when a guest is coming, you should welcome him to the fullest. I was taught that when I was a child and I still believe it.” (Ramiro Cuesta, bricklayer.)

 “I never went to church or Christian temples. In my house, nobody was a believer. But I tell you, if Raúl invited the Pope, I will go to greet him cordially. I was there when John Paul came, and there was a sea of people just like me who were neither Santeros nor Christian but were having a happy time anyway. We Cubans are naturally cheerful and very hospitable. (Regina Lomonte, retired businesswoman.)

 “Some are trying to disrupt a peaceful visit whose main objective is to profess our adoration of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, 400 years after its image was found on the Bay of Nipe. Beyond being a symbol of the Catholic Church, she is ‘la Cachita’ of all Cubans, the patroness of Cuba.

“The visit to Cuba of any leader is always a source of satisfaction and means bringing our island to the attention of everyone in the world. All the more reason why the visit of a Pope, a figure who represents millions of people worldwide, must be welcomed by our people, without distinction of whether we are religious or whether we are Christians, Jews, Muslims or of African descent. In cases like this one, we should identify ourselves by our Cubanness and feel that the [Pope’s] visit honors that quality.” (Pablo J. Hofman, engineer.)

 “Cuba grows with the Pope’s visit. It is a great honor to us. All the religions of African origin are very much in accord with this visit.” (Enrique Hernández, Tata Nganga, the highest leader in the Santería group called Regla de Palo Monte.)

 “As a chief of state and religious leader, we respect him. We shall open our doors to him and say ‘Long live the Pope.’” (Antonio Castañeda, Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba.)

 “Yes, I am a Christian, and even though I may differ on the ways to interpret the Bible or hold services, I do not forget that the various denominations have their roots in the Catholic faith. I will be with the Pope as a Christian and as a Cuban.” (Beatriz Rodríguez, self-employed worker.)

In only four days, on Monday 26 March, President Raúl Castro will welcome the Pope in Santiago de Cuba, where the pontiff will say his first Mass. The following day, according to the program, the two statesmen will hold an official meeting.

Benedict XVI will then go to the refurbished Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, home of the sacred image that four centuries ago was found floating in the sea. Therefore, the Catholic Church has declared 2012 to be the Virgin’s Jubilee.

On March 28, his last day on the island, Benedict XVI will say another Mass on Havana’s Revolution Square, where a beautiful altar has been built, similar to the one constructed on Antonio Maceo Square in Santiago.

There is some expectation that the Pope will meet with Fidel Castro. Although the visit is not on the official program, there will be enough time for that dialogue. We shouldn’t be surprised if it happens.

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