Dec 24, 2022
By Ivan Fernandes
Bishops in Cuba are highlighting two events – the 25th anniversaries of the declaration of Christmas as a public holiday and of John Paul II’s visit – to ensure that Catholics celebrate this Christmas with hope, enthusiasm, truth and forgiveness.
“Christmas is always a new event because our personal, ecclesial and social situation is changing and, therefore, from this new perspective, we welcome the Child Jesus, who comes to share our lives, walk with us and teach us to live as brothers. This time, it will be 25 years since the Cuban authorities declared Christmas as a public holiday, which allows people to share this holiday with their families and participate in the celebrations in their respective communities,” wrote the bishops in their message in preparation for Christmas 2022.
The bishops pointed out that John Paul II’s visit was “an event that marked history and was a blessing for our people,” which occurred right after Christmas, in January. Beginning on January 24, festivities will be held in every diocese to mark this “unforgettable visit” and “to present the teachings transmitted by the late Pope during the four eucharistic celebrations and other meetings presided over by him,” the bishops said. John Paul II visited Cuba from January 21 to 26, 1998, becoming the first Pope to visit the country.
“Where there is fear, mistrust, routine, lies and hatred, may Christ bring courage, hope, enthusiasm, truth and forgiveness. The Church grows to the extent that each of us is able to take on the mission that Jesus entrusted us with, with true enthusiasm and commitment,” the bishops wrote in their Christmas message.
“Let us be more attentive, let us learn to look and listen, to recognise the signs that God puts before us every day, through which He guides us, encourages us, or warns us of the dangers, but above all, to discover how God manifests Himself in reality, weaving our story with surprising closeness and respect, helping us to put the best of ourselves at the service of all,” the bishops said, specifically addressing families who are experiencing emigration.
Their message also emphasises the need to “reawaken joy and hope in the midst of so much darkness and discouragement,” and adds that the Christmas holiday, “if it fills us with joy for the presence of the new born, also engages us in the life of our brothers and sisters, in the history of the Church and of our country.”
The bishops also encourage Catholics to celebrate Christmas by welcoming the light of Jesus and to accept the call “to be a light for our brothers and sisters who need signs of hope that strengthen them to continue on the journey of life”. According to what Jesus teaches, no one can survive without a supportive community where everyone works together to look toward the future, they said. “Dreams are built together. We are once again dreaming of building a homeland of brothers, where everyone can live in dignity, where we listen to each other and where we dialogue to discern the future, where we fight for the good of all, especially those who have been marginalised for various reasons,” the bishops said.
“The commemoration of the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to Cuba is a good opportunity to give thanks to God, and the life and mission of the people of God within the framework of the synodal journey that has already begun in all the dioceses,” the bishops said.–LCI (https://international.la-croix.com/)
The Holy Innocents
1 John 1:5–2:2
Psalms 124:2-5, 7-8
Matthew 2:13-18
Lord, help me walk in Your light