And now, Cuban state TV will also
broadcast Cardinal Ortega's
Good Friday message to the faithful
Translated from the Italian service of
April 3, 2012
With the churches filled with people, Cubans began Holy Week in a more relaxed atmosphere. Not only was the announcement made that this Good Friday would be a holiday in Cuba, but it was also announced that Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Archbishop of Havana, will present a Good Friday message on state television, something that has not happened in over 50 years.
In Latin America, where the days before Easter are days off work in most countries, Good Friday itself is marked with particular religious fervor. On this day, great attention is given to the so- called 'Seven Last Words' of Jesus on the Cross.
All the bishops and parish priests prepare intensely for these Good Friday sermons on the 'Seven Last Words' which are followed by the faithful not just in churches but also on radio and TV.
The decision to have the Havana cardinal's Good Friday message transmitted on Cuban state TV followed President Raul Castro's decision to declare this Good Friday a holiday, in response to Pope Benedict XVI's request made during his recent visit to Cuba.