CUBANS URGED TO BE MISSIONARIES

01-09-2008

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI encouraged Cubans to be missionaries at all times and in all situations as they prepare to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the image of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre.

The Pope addressed the Cuban people today after reciting the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

The Cuban bishops gathered this weekend at the Basilica Our Lady of Charity of Cobre in Santiago de Cuba to launch a three-year preparation period for the fourth centenary celebrations of the Marian image.

The image of the virgin -- a wooden statue about a foot high -- was discovered in 1612 by three fishermen: a slave and two native Indians.

Pope Benedict XV proclaimed Our Lady of Charity of Cobre patron of the island in 1916. Pope John Paul II crowned the statue of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre during his visit to the island in 1998, proclaiming her the "Mother of Reconciliation" for Cuba.

The Pontiff said today: "To all the beloved sons and daughters of the Church that lives in this noble country, I commend you fervently in my prayers so that, following the example of Holy Mary, and aided by her maternal intercession, you have a faith rich in works of mercy and love.

"I invite you to take daily in your heart the word of God, to meditate on it and put it into practice with courage and hope so that, as authentic children of God, faithful disciples of Christ, and with the strength of the Holy Spirit, you will be missionaries of the Gospel in all circumstances of life.

"Receive the Virgin in your homes, remain with her in prayer and find joy in doing what her Son Jesus asks of you."

"The affection and spiritual closeness of the Pope accompanies you on this beautiful path," Benedict XVI said. "May God Bless Cuba and all Cubans."
http://www.zenit.org/article-23518?l=english