As Cubans embarked on Holy Week, Archbishop Dionisio Guillermo García of Santiago de Cuba delivered a poignant prayer on Palm Sunday, his voice echoing through the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre Basilica. His heartfelt plea, directed towards Cuba's patron saint, the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, resonated with the struggles of the nation.

Archbishop García's words echoed the recent protests that swept across Cuban cities. He acknowledged the people's desperate need for the most basic necessities – food and electricity. "Our people have spoken, and their voices cry out for what everyone deserves," he declared. "Is it too much to ask for a steady flow of electricity to light their homes and food to nourish their families?" The archbishop's voice resonated with a deep-seated longing for a return to normalcy, a life where Cubans could dream and plan for the future, where their hours wouldn't be consumed by the daily fight for survival. He painted a picture of long, powerless nights and a constant struggle to find even the most basic necessities.

Beyond the immediate hardships, Archbishop García implored the Virgin Mary's intercession for a deeper transformation. He yearned for a spirit of peace and unity to sweep across the nation, urging Cubans to treat each other with respect. Drawing a parallel to Holy Week, he emphasized the importance of following God's path, expressing hope that an "inner light" would guide the country.

The archbishop concluded his prayer with a heartfelt Hail Mary, beseeching the Virgin Mary to intercede for the Cuban people. He pleaded for peace, unity, and the light of faith – a faith that would illuminate their path and empower them to build a brighter future. His prayer resonated not just within the walls of the basilica, but across the hearts of Cubans yearning for a change, a chance to finally emerge from the shadows and embrace a life of dignity and freedom.