Havana, Cuba, Sep 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Nearly five thousand Cubans gathered in Havana on September 8, the feast of Our Lady of Charity, the country’s patroness, to take part in a procession and Mass led by Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, who offered prayers for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Similar expressions of faith were seen across Cuba, where the government authorized 60 processions for the Marian feast. One of the largest took place in the capital, where Cubans of all ages filled the streets, which were decorated with flowers and colorful banners. A replica of the statue of Our Lady of Charity led the procession and was met with thunderous applause as it was carried through the streets.
During his homily, Cardinal Ortega mentioned the terrible destruction caused by the hurricane and said the Catholic Church in Cuba is united “in prayer and in support” with those who have been affected.
“There is a huge and painful human problem that is very difficult. All those people who are suffering need prayer and psychological support, and we support them with our hearts,” he said.