(ANS - Havana)- On the evening of Saturday 19 September, about four thousand faithful of the diocese of Santa Clara gathered to travel to the Cuban capital to participate in Sunday Mass presided by Pope Francis. More than a hundred members of the Salesian parish Nuestra Señora del Carmenin Santa Clara, attended the event, as well as a large representation from the Salesian Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Old Havana and San Juan Bosco at LaVíbora.

by Alejandro Satorre Morales and Caruchy Castellanos

The Salesian youth of Cuba enjoyed a special moment at the Pope's greeting outside the FelixVarelaCultural Centre. It was preceded by a concert by Martín Valverde, a Catholic musician. Nathalie Salabarría is a young lady from the Salesian parish of La Víbora. Along with representatives of several other communities, she presented Pope Francis with the cross that will be used at the activities that will take place in Havana, to coincide with the World Youth Day in Krakow in 2016.

Together with other clergy and religious, the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians had the opportunity to take part in Evening Prayer with the Holy Father at the Cathedral in Havana.

"Dream big, do not lose hope and promote the culture of meeting." These were the three messages Pope Francis gave to the young people. As he often does, the Pope did not stick to protocol during his speech and he displayed his excellent sense of humour, bringing the message closer to everyone. He spoke to those present about his happiness at visiting Cuba and his confidence in Cuban youth. He said that he would pray for each of them. Finally he urged the young people to pray for him and he gave them his blessing.

In the year of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the Salesian Youth Movement of Cuba welcomed the visit of Pope Francis with joy. Undoubtedly it is an event that will leave a mark on their lives. The love of Don Bosco for the Church and the Pope was visible in his sons and daughters and the Salesian Youth during his arrival, the reception, and the meeting with the Pontiff.

The videoof the event.

Published 22/09/2015