A Message of Encouragement in Search for Truth and Freedom

Cuba must shape virtuous men in order to forge a nation of dignity and freedom.

Pope Benedict XVI

(MADRID, Spain) - Pope Benedict XVI held a historic 3-day trip to Cuba. In the crowded Mass, which was celebrated in Havana, he stated: "If you follow my word, you are truly my disciples; know the truth and the truth shall make you free". Benedict XVI took only the Word of God to encourage the Cuban people to find the truth, that is, freedom. vatican.va.

The Pope won the hearts of the Cuban people, says L'Obsservatore Becciu Angelo Romano: "It was obvious when the mass went out in the streets to greet him." osservatoreromano.va

Raul Castro received Pope Benedict XVI at the Cuban airport. Pope John Paul II got Christmas Day to be a holiday and for the Havana Seminar to be inaugurated. The present Pope was also able to make Good Friday a holiday. es.wikipedia.org.

The Pope preached for religious freedom with great force, by stating that it is not a privilege but a right. He preached by being faithful to the mandate of his divine founder and proclaimed the gospel. However, in order for him to be able to perform this task, there must be freedom of religion, which allows a faith to be publicly proclaimed and celebrated, that would allow him to carry the message of love, reconciliation and peace that Jesus brought to the world. He also preached for academic freedom and freedom of expression. e-libertadreligiosa.ne.

Moreover, Fidel Castro visited the Pope in the Holy See's nuncio in Havana. It seems that he has become closer to the Catholic faith since he recently received the Anointing of the Sick.

Dissidents were unable to attend the call of Pope Benedict XVI; according to the Press Office of the Holy See however, they were nevertheless able to convey his message of freedom and human rights. vaticanstate.va He said that Castro did make policies; the policy of charity that is attached to the Cuban people and that demands justice, dialogue, and fundamental freedoms for all Cubans.

Finally, Cuba must shape virtuous men in order to forge a nation of dignity and freedom. This transformation will depend on the spiritual life of man, for there is no nation without virtue.

We must be witnesses of charity and respond to evil with good, offering us as a living sacrifice for the one who lovingly gave himself for us: Christ. (Translated by Gianna A. Sanchez-Moretti)

Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer Roselló, a prestigious Spanish advertising character, presents a fascinating personal and professional career fully devoted to the world of communication in its varied dimensions. He earned a PhD in Information Sciences from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, BA in Advertising from the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona Master in Marketing from the School of Marketing Studies in Madrid.

He has been Associate Professor of Business Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Navarra and a contributor to the Madrid daily ABC. He also spent several years teaching, both in the Official School of Advertising as the School of Information Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid. In 1985 he was awarded the Gold Master, granted by the Senior Management Forum and AMPE Prize 1996 to the "long and brilliant career advertising."

You can write to Clemente at this address: clementeferrer3@gmail.com