Our Lady of Charity is a symbol of the unity of Cubans today said Olga Portuondo Zúñiga, Historian of the city, where the Pope Francisco came as a pilgrim.
On declaration to the press she highlighted that the invocation of the Virgin Mary was part of the formation of the nationality of the people of the land, since stamped on scapulars and protections accompanied both mambises and the rebels.
The image of the Virgin it is maintained over time attesting people of diverse beliefs, she said.
The tribute from Pope to the Virgin and his visit to Cuba, said the historian, is a recognition of the sacrifices and immense generosity of this people.
Portuondo noted the presence at the Isle of three popes in just 17 years, revealing \ "the great significance of our country on the continent \".
She explained that this city has the footprint of the Jesuits, order to which the Bishop of Rome belongs therefore created in 1722 the College Seminary St. Basil the Great, seed of university education in the nation, as well as the prestigious Colegio Dolores, where revolutionary leaders Fidel and Raul Castro studied.
Francisco is consistent with the Jesuit doctrine, added Portuondo Zúñiga, reflected in his concern for education and culture, humanism and radical views on social life, they have put him on the side of the poor and lead him to ask for mercy for all .
The visit of His Holiness is a sign of good relations between the Cuban state and the Holy See, as well as the concern of the Bishop of Rome for our people and even by the US, which also needs and wants to normalize relations.
This time the city of Santiago de Cuba receive his blessing for the half millennium of the founding of the former village, and meet with Cuban families in the Holy Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral Church, expressing its strong interest in contributing to human betterment, stressed the historian.
The residents of this city have been prepared to offer the Successor of Peter the respectful reception it deserves, sure that will be part of a truly historic event.