In the square, in the charming setting of Old Havana, about one thousand blue chairs have already been placed which are now crowded by the curios and creative Cubans. The altar has been placed in front of the central entrance to the Baroque Cathedral of San Cristobal, built in the Borromini’s style by the Jesuits between 1748 and 1787, the year in which the archdiocese, which now includes 83 parishes, was founded. The celebration will be enlivened by a choir, composed for the occasion by about one hundred people (both professionals and youth groups) dressed in blue and white, like gospel singers. The same Mass that was sung to John Paul II ten years ago, will be performed, with Cuban and classic music conducted by Alina Orraga. 3000 people (max 5000) are expected to come, but, to cope with the many requests (practising Catholics are between 1 and 3 per cent out of a population of about 2/3 million in Havana), the archdiocese had to hand out some invitations, as reported to SIR by mgr. Ramon Suarez Polcari, councillor and vicar general. “For Cuba, this visit is a special grace he states . If John Paul II’s journey brought so many improvements in the life of the Cuban Church (Christmas, processions, etc.) and in the relations between the Church and the State, we hope this visit will bring as many”.
