Pope says Havana founded on roots
of faith, hope and charity
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| Cathedral of Havana |
Pope Francis sends a video message on the occasion of the
500th anniversary of the foundation of the city of San Cristóbal de La Habana,
from whose name Havana is derived.
Marking this Cuban city’s milestone anniversary, the Pope in
his video message says that over these five centuries, many lives given for
others, many dreams, efforts, shared sacrifices have been intertwined to build
the present and future of the children of Cuba.
On this auspicious occasion, the Pontiff emphasizes three
historical aspects of the city that still continue to be pillars today, 500
years on from the city’s foundation.
These are, he says, faith, hope and charity.
Faith, the Pope notes, is in the roots of the city. “And the
roots sustain the life that is developing, the roots nourish, the roots help to
grow.” “Do not forget those roots, the witness of faith of your ancestors”, he
stresses.
The Pope also underscores the importance of the Eucharist in
Christian life, saying, “the sacrament gathers us Christians as a people before
the presence of the Lord who speaks to us, nourishes us, sends us to be
witnesses in the midst of the world.”
The Lord Jesus, says Pope Francis, “invites us to be
witnesses of faith and also witnesses of charity and love.”
Charity, highlights the Pope, is another aspect that
distinguishes the Cuban people, and which is passed down from Mary, the Mother
of Jesus.
“The charity that Mary teaches us is to give love, and to
give it with tenderness, with dedication, and to give love in daily life”, he
says.
Finally, dwelling on the pillar of hope, Pope Francis
underlines that the Jubilee that the Cuban people are celebrating is a reason
to renew hope.
“Just as St. Cristobal [Christopher] charged and carried his
brothers and sisters on his shoulders, so also among yourselves, I ask you to
support, help, encourage and move forward without losing heart, always with a
look toward the goal.”
The Pope points out that, “there will always be difficulties
in life, people will have difficulties, but this unity of a people, united in
charity, in the hope of moving forward, helps people to grow strong.”
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