By the grace of God, we have now completed ten years of ministry in Cuba, serving a parish dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Each year, we celebrate her feast on 16 July as fully as we can. The people here have a deep love for Our Lady, and the feast is an important moment in the life of our parish.
In preparation this year, we visited three villages and worked with Caritas to offer what help we could. We felt this was especially important given the hardship people are facing and the shortage of so many basic necessities.
On the feast day, we began with Mass at 6:30 in the morning. At the evening festive Mass, we celebrated four baptisms and five First Communions. The following Sunday, our bishop, Mgr Arturo, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to eight parishioners.
I mentioned how deeply the Cuban people love Our Lady. I would like to share a beautiful prayer through which they express that love:
Holy Mother of love, you came among us as a messenger of peace, journeying across the sea. You are the Mother of all Cubans. We turn to you, Mother of God, and ask your intercession for Cuban families, for our nation and for the Church. Intercede for us before your Son for the peace and unity we long for.
May the sick, those in prison and all who are suffering find consolation and strength in you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is Jesus, the fruit of your womb. To him belong all glory and power, for ever and ever.