A Mission Radiating Beyond Cuba
During a recent trip to the United States, Don Stéphane Fernandes and Don Grégoire de Lambilly had the opportunity to bear witness to their missionary commitment in various American dioceses.
It was through these encounters and in the context of this journey that they were invited to take part in an interview on the television program This Is the Day.
Bearing Witness to the Mission in Cuba
The interview, conducted by Deacon Franklin Mejía, gave Don Stéphane and Don Grégoire the opportunity to share their experience within the Cuba mission: how they were called to serve the Cuban people, the charisms of their community, their daily life in the mission field, and the social programs developed in service of the most vulnerable.
They also testify to how their faith has been deepened and strengthened through the trials, joys, and encounters lived on the island, reminding us that mission is above all a path of personal and communal conversion.
A Structuring Missionary Journey in the United States
This trip to the United States had several objectives. One of the main goals was to expand our American network by visiting new cities and new parishes within dioceses already known to us. This mission bore much fruit with stops in Washington, D.C., Boston, New York / New Jersey, and Miami.
Another important focus of this stay was to work toward the creation of a U.S.-based association intended to support the priests of the Cuba mission as well as our French association. This essential step was fully accomplished: the association was created, its bank account opened, and tax-exempt status granted.
Encounters Filled with Hope
One of the great joys of this journey was meeting parish pastors who did not yet know us.
Their warm welcome, their desire to learn more about the Cuba mission, and their invitation to return — within a more institutional framework and in communion with their bishops — are very encouraging signs for us.
Once again, we experienced the vitality of the Catholic faith in the United States, as well as the prompt and joyful generosity of the faithful, who are happy to support the missions of the Church, even beyond the borders of their own country.
In Thanksgiving
Providence was clearly at work throughout this journey. We are now working to structure our American network, while of course continuing to make the Cuba mission known and supported from France. It seems natural to us to seek particular support from our American brothers and sisters, while remaining firmly rooted in our missionary commitment.
