Miami

Special Miami Mass Held After Castro's Death

“Given the emotions of the day and no matter what those emotions are we should be able to unite around the need to pray for Cuba and for its people and we pray that Cuba will experience a future of hope,” Wenski told parishioners. The religious leader pre

Hundreds gathered inside the National Shrine for Our Lady of Charity known to many as La Ermita de la Caridad in Coconut Grove Saturday, one night after the death of Fidel Castro.

Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski lead the special mass highlighting the passing of the former Cuban leader. “Given the emotions of the day and no matter what those emotions are we should be able to unite around the need to pray for Cuba and for its people and we pray that Cuba will experience a future of hope,” Wenski told parishioners.

The religious leader preached to the crowd that now Fidel Castro will be judged by God. “A chapter of Cuban history is being closed and a new advent for the Cuban people who have been suffering for 50 years,” said Father Fernando Hería.

Cubans across South Florida have shown great devotion over the years to the patron saint of Cuba and what she stands for to them in their journey to freedom.

Josue Suarez attended the special mass. He said the saint means a lot to him. “She's the one that oversees us, helps us, takes care of us in all aspects of life and I am very proud to be here tonight,” said Suarez. At the mass, Suarez wore a “Cuba Libre” t-shirt. The words translate to Cuba Free in English. Suarez is hopeful the Cuban people who haven’t been able to raise their voices can do so now. “We are hopeful that our country is free one day and it's not free yet,” added Suarez.

Above all, the Catholic Church urged unity for the Cuban people. “They're rejoicing over the fact that a chapter is closed and a hopeful beginning is upon us,” said Father Hería.

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