Distribuido por El Proyecto Cuba Prensa Libre.

La Habana, 27 de agosto de 1997, Cuba Press

The Church Makes Preparations. By Marvin Hernandez Monzon, Cuba Press.

The Catholic Church in Cuba prepares its faithful and the general population for the Pope's visit, informed the members of Catholic communities in the Province of Villa Clara, where, according to the Papal itinerary, the first Mass is to be celebrated by John Paul II, after his arrival in Cuba. It will take place in the plaza of the Provincial School of Sports named Piti Fajardo, next to Sandino Stadium, in the City of Santa Clara.

In preparation for this acclaimed visit, 3-day missions were held in each Catholic community of the Diocese of Villa Clara this past May which included masses, receptions, and a farewell to the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, celebrations which attracted great numbers of people. Over 500 people attended each day in the community of Ranchuelo.

This coming September as well will see the beginning of the ecclesial movement entitled "Childhood Missions", approved by the Pope who is today primarily responsible for it. Childhood Missions is an effort of Christian children on behalf of other children and it was founded in 1843 by the French bishop, Monsignor Carlos Augusto Forbin. Its universal mission statement is "I came to light a fire upon the earth, how I wish the blaze to be kindled."

By Marvin Hernandez Monzon, Cuba Press.