Cuba Reflections
As a native Floridian, Cuba was always a part of my psyche – so near, yet so very far away.
In 2020, I was set to go on pilgrimage with Episcopal Relief & Development to Cuba to view our partnerships there, but COVID had other plans for our group.
So my participation in my friend Angel’s consecration to bishop was my first visit to Cuba.
Worship services at Holy Trinity Cathedral were spirit-filled and joyous.
On Tuesday, we sang and danced and prayed and wept with joy during the Eucharist to honor the outgoing Bishop Provisional, Rafael Morales who was to pass the crozier to my friend. During the service Rafael hugged everyone – clergy and lay – and proclaimed that Cuba was to smile for Jesus Christ. He said the Church was all about “Alegria” – JOY. We sang songs, holding hands (mano a mano), affirming we were united in “amor y verdad”, love and truth.
At the end of Tuesday’s service, the power went out, as it does daily in Havana. Flashlights guided us to a festive meal in the parish hall.
Thursday we clergy – bishops, priests, and deacons – vested in red stoles and processed to the chancel to witness Angel Rivera’s consecration to Bishop of Cuba. Hot and steamy, the cathedral overflowed with guests – parishioners, friends, and clergy from throughout Cuba, the Caribbean, South America, the United States, and even Spain.
Lively, rhythmic Latin music energized our traditional Episcopal liturgy. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe consecrated the new bishop with other bishops laying hands upon him.
The joyful worship with plentiful meals afterwards contrasted sharply with the sad reality of life outside the cathedral compound.
Trash littered the pot-holed streets. People were dumpster diving for food. Beggars were desperate on the streets in Old Havana. Buildings were in disrepair. Weeds blanketed monuments and parks.
The juxtaposition of a few shiny new buildings next to the crumbling structures was striking.
Everyday life seemed quite hard. Yet everyone I met was gracious and friendly.
The “charming” American cars from the 1950’s still roamed the roads; amazing mechanics must keep these old cars running. Newer Russian, Chinese, and Japanese cars appeared from time to time.
I shall always have a heart for Cuba. I cheered when we re-admitted Cuba to The Episcopal Church at the 2018 General Convention where I had delightful conversations with the former Bishop Griselda. I continue to support “The Friends of Cuba” and Episcopal Relief & Development, organizations which work with the Episcopal Church to improve life and transform communities there.
Salgamos con gozo al mundo, en el poder del Espiritu! Demos gracias a Dios.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit! Thanks be to God.
Benediciones/Blessings, Judy Q+
