Denver Catholic

12 SEPTEMBER 12-26, 2015 | DENVER CATHOLIC T he United States isn't the only coun- try preparing for a visit from Pope Francis this month. Before arriving to Washington D.C. on Sept. 22, the Holy Father will spend three days in Cuba. Father Francisco (Frank) Garcia, of Cuban nation- ality and pastor of Saint Helena in Fort Morgan, spoke with El Pueblo Católico on the expecta- tions of Cubans for the visit of the Spanish-speaking Pope to the island country, and how it will continue the legacy of papal visits begun by Pope John Paul II in 1998. Q: What do the Cuban people expect from the visit of Pope Francis? A: This humble gesture will commu- nicate solidarity with Catholics and people of goodwill in a nation that has become very receptive to the Gospel and the New Evangelization. Q: Could you comment on how John Paul II's visit in 1998 a ected Catholicism in Cuba? A: Arriving on his papal visit in 1998, Pope John Paul II reiterated the words of Christopher Columbus: "Cuba ... is the most beautiful (land) that human eyes have seen." The Pope arrived as a pilgrim to confi rm the truth in Christ and the hope of strengthening the faith of millions who, despite decades of totalitarian dictatorship and the sup- pression of religious expression, have been strong and fi rm in their Catholic beliefs. As always mentioned in papal pil- grimage, the pope urged Cubans: "Do not be afraid to open your hearts to Christ." In his pilgrimage the Pope stood in solidarity with the Cuban people: "[My] best wishes are joined with the prayer that this land may o¨ er to everyone a climate of freedom, mutual trust, social justice and lasting peace." Q: What do you remember most from John Paul II's visit? A: I remember very vividly the mural of the Sacred Heart of Jesus set up in Hava- na's Revolution Square where John Paul II celebrated Mass, and during which he proclaimed that the Church in Cuba was not alone or isolated; that it was a part of the Universal Church that extends throughout the world. At that time, the Pope addressed the need for "reconcilia- tion, dialogue and fraternal acceptance" among men of good will. It is a message that I am sure the Holy Father Francis will not fail to mention. Q: Benedict also visited the country in 2012. What were the fruits of this journey to the faith of the Cuban people? A: The visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba opened doors that people thought were closed—closed in a nation that has used many vices and is guilty of a number of human rights violations to silence the voices of the faithful. No more. The visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 continued to produce good fruits that were planted as seeds of faith by his predecessor. After the visit of Benedict XVI, an awakening of the faith continued to permeate sev- eral of the most repressed communist enclaves across the country. Today, the Cuban people have rein- forced their determination, despite continued threats to religious freedom, and have become emboldened to prac- tice their Catholic religion openly again. Q: What will be the fruit of the visit of Pope Francis? A: These vicars of Christ have revolution- ized the revolution! How? By opening wide the doors to Christ! The United States has opened the door — now it's Cuba's turn to do the same thing. May the pilgrimage of Pope Francis to Cuba keep the doors open to the world and to Christ forever. Come for a day or week Book your next event with us More than just retreats… 719-258-1600 for Tour or Reservations www.eltesororetreat.org Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary 12801 W. 44th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 (303) 425-9511 Mt. Olivet Cemetery 12801 W. 44th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 (303) 424-7785 St. Simeon Cemetery 22001 E. State Hwy. 30 Aurora, CO 80018 (720) 859-9785 • Professional, personalized service • Respectful • Compassionate The Archdiocese of Denver Cemeteries and Mortuary Caring for the faithful in Northern Colorado since 1893 in their most personal time of need. Around the Archdiocese Francis to continue papal revolution in Cuba The people of Cuba hope the visit of the Holy Father to their country will positively impact their struggle for more religious liberty. PHOTO BY WALFRIDO LOPEZ/FLICKR Q&A with FATHER GARCIA BY CARMEN ELENA VILLA 303-715-3219 carmen.villa@archden.org www.twitter.com/EPCatolico

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