EWTN. 3-Jan-00 -- Church News
Miami, 3 (NE) The Magi, the wise men from the East who came to adore Jesus in Bethlehem, appeared yesterday in the Cathedral of Havana, in Cuba, in order to visit hundreds of Cuban children during a Mass presided by Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino. Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, represented by
members of a Puerto Rican association, assisted yesterday dressed in their "royal robes" to the celebration presided by the Archbishop of Havana.
The applause and celebration of hundreds of Cuban faithful that expressed their enthusiasm upon celebrating in this way a traditional Christmas feast roared as the three Magi climbed the stairs before entering the Cathedral. Amid clouds of incense, the magi approached the altar, kissing the baby
that represented the newly born Jesus.
During Mass, Cardinal Ortega y Alamino, asked Cuban children to pray for "the peace in their families" and "for good friendship." He also, highlighted the necessity of "rooting the celebration of the Magi not only in the cultural aspect, but also as part of the
religiosity that marks the time of Christmas," rejecting "elements that are not part of the traditional Christmas celebration."
The Magi, "sent" by a catholic association from Puerto Rico, also visited yesterday the shrine of the Virgin of la Caridad del Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, in Havana, and will also visit several parishes and places of the country, before returning on Tuesday to Puerto Rico. |