After two months in Malta, it is time to return to Cuba in order to continue the missionary work that I have been doing there for the last 12 years. During the two months that I am entitled to spend in Malta every two years, I had the opportunity to meet not only my family and the Franciscan Capuchin Maltese friars, but also many friends and benefactors of our mission in Cuba. Before leaving Malta, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who throughout these years have paid their respects and shown so much interest in the missionary work carried out in Cuba. Many thanks to all the invitations, meetings and telephone calls I received during my short stay in Malta. Your support has been of great encouragement for me. Moreover, the fact that I know that so many of you are praying for me gives me the strength to continue this mission work abroad.

A word of thanks also goes to all those who offered their donations for various projects I am trying to realize in favour of the poor, the sick, children in need, and for the construction of a new church and a new pastoral centre in my parish in Cuba. Many were those who tried to help financially. It is not possible to mention all of you by name, but among those whom I really would like to mention are the Franciscan Married Couples Group who meet at Floriana and who throughout the year organize various fund-raising activities; the Mosta Mission Fund; St Anne’s parish in Marsascala which had created a twinning with our parish in Cuba; the Maltese Missionary Movement (MMM); various prayer groups, such as the neocatecumes and the charismatics, especially the community Tigi Saltnatek; the Padre Pio Prayer Groups; the “Missionary Aid” group of the Mellieha parish; the Capuchin Mission Office at Floriana that, throughout the year, helps by various means, and many others.

Although it is time to say goodbye, we will still keep in touch, especially by means of prayer. In the name of all the parishioners in Cuba and all those who will benefit from your financial aid, we promise you our prayers. May the Lord bless our country and the missionary zeal that had always been a characteristic of our people.

Philip Cutajar OFM Cap

CUBA