Under the gaze of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, during the Eucharist this Sunday, the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, Monsignor Dionisio García Ibáñez, urged Cubans to seek harmony and embrace different ways of thinking as a path towards peace.
"With the potential that our people have, let us learn to live in harmony, with one heart and one soul, embracing different ways of thinking, and together, finding solutions that lead us to be born in peace, to work in peace, to eat in peace, and to die in peace," García expressed during a prayer of supplication, as published by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba on Facebook.
In his prayer, García expressed gratitude for "the children who lovingly care for the elderly at home; those who, from afar, support their relatives and friends; the neighbors who help each other in times of sorrow and joy; and so many others who selflessly serve their fellow beings," referencing the current issue of young people migrating and leaving behind their relatives, often the elderly.
Monsignor, during the prayer of supplication, emphasized the search for comfort and strength "in these very difficult times."
In this regard, he emphasized the hard work that mothers do to provide food for their children amidst difficulties, as well as the tireless efforts of those seeking medication in times of extreme shortage.
The religious leader included in the petition those "family members of the prisoners who dream of seeing them return home one day, safe and sound," suggesting the insecurity that affects the prison population, a source of concern for their loved ones.
"The workers who strive to provide their loved ones with a decent home; those who mourn the emigration of spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends; those who suffer from violence and theft; those who endure so many material and spiritual hardships," were also included by the bishop in the prayer, reflecting the despair and anguish felt by both believers and non-believers today.
The Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba often advocates for better living conditions for Cubans during his Masses.
In March, during the Palm Sunday Eucharist, García asked the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre for electricity, food, and freedom, something he stated was merely reflecting the requests that pilgrims make to the Patroness of Cuba.
"We want to live with greater ease, we want to try to lead a normal life where everyone can pursue their own plans and life projects, where life is not a constant struggle and hardship," said García Ibáñez at the feet of the Virgin.
Filed under: