Pope Benedict XVI has paid homage to Our Lady of Charity, La Virgen de la Caridad
del Cobre, in Santiago de Cuba. Below the full text of Pope Benedict XVI’s speech
at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, Santiago del Cuba:Listen:
Dear
Brothers and Sisters, I have come as a pilgrim to the house of the blessed statue
of Our Lady of Charity, la Mambisa as you call upon her with affection. Her
presence in this town of El Cobre is a gift from heaven for all Cubans. I am pleased
to offer cordial greetings to everyone here present. Receive the affection of the
Pope and carry it with you from this place, so that everyone can experience consolation
and strength in faith. Let all those you meet know, whether near or far, that I have
entrusted to the Mother of God the future of your country, advancing along the ways
of renewal and hope, for the greater good of all Cubans. I have also prayed to the
Virgin for the needs of those who suffer, of those who are deprived of freedom, those
who are separated from their loved ones or who are undergoing times of difficulty.
I have placed in her Immaculate Heart your young people, that they may be authentic
friends of Christ and not succumb to things which bring sadness in their wake. Before
Mary of Charity, I remember in a particular way Cubans who are the descendents of
those who arrived here from Africa, and the nearby people of Haiti, who still suffer
the consequences of the earthquake of two years ago. And I cannot forget the many
country people and their families who wish to live the Gospel deeply in their homes
and who offer their homes as mission centres for the celebration of Mass. Following
the example of the Most Holy Virgin, I encourage all the sons and daughters of this
dear country to continue to build their lives on the firm rock which is Jesus Christ,
to work for justice, to be servants of charity and to persevere in the midst of trials.
May nothing or no one take from you your inner joy which is so characteristic of the
Cuban soul. May God bless you. Thank you very much.