In addition, the bishops recalled the importance of the visits of both John Paul II and Benedict XVI, which "marked our recent history with the sign of hope."
Both Roman Pontiffs "bore witness not only to the human and social dimension, but also the religious dimension, of the Church's mission of evangelization. Both referred to the spiritual and social reality Cubans face today and in the future," they said.
They also underscored the devotion to Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of all Cubans "regardless of race, class or opinion," and remembered last year's 400th anniversary of the image's finding.
The bishops noted that God's plan is that all his children enjoy the goods of creation through responsible freedom.
They also said that government should be concerned with the common good, and denounced selfishness seen in "groups of power who do not always represent everyone and do not show interest for those who are not part of their circle."
"The participative state must definitively replace the paternalist state," they stressed, encouraging Cubans not to fear "the development of a strong and responsible social autonomy."
In their letter, the bishops also reiterated their call to dialogue as "the only road to attaining and sustaining the social transformations that are taking place in Cuba, as dialogue is always enriching because it provides the chance to contribute new ideas and solutions to the problems or conflicts that we are facing."
"In the recent past, the Church's work of mediation, which led to the release of dozens of prisoners, is a sign that this road is possible in our country, and this should extend as well to other sectors and groups in the nation."
They emphasized the importance of the family as "the school of humanity" and the source of values. However, they warned that family life "has greatly deteriorated, with grave consequences that have repercussions in the lives of people and in society."
To promote "the desire to be good and the practice of virtue," the bishops proposed that the Church work together with families, schools and media to educate youth.
They called on Christian youth to work toward a hope-filled future by promoting the Gospel in Cuban society, saying their "enthusiastic response…is necessary today to carry out the mandate from Christ to renew the evangelization of our people without ceasing."