“The different spiritualities and expressions of faith of our people converge here at the same time. This place is a bridge-maker. You, who are members of a panel, know well what I am talking about.” Thus, the Priest Elixander Torres Pérez, rector of the National Shrine of San Lázaro, in El Rincón, welcomed about 200 motorists and their families.
Members of the International Motorcycle Association, including Cubans and foreigners from countries on the Americas, gathered last March 30 at the temple for a special blessing.
Among those present, the young Saint-Goenian Miguel Angel confessed that the visit was a double miracle for him and his family, for when he recently became ill with pancreatitis he promised that, if healed, he would visit the Sanctuary of San Lázaro, and was filled with enthusiasm to see that, as by divine intervention, the agenda of the motorcycle tour included a stopover in El Rincón.
In his words, Father Elixander emphasized the spirituality of the group. “You don’t just care about your bikes or your life. They’re like a big family, they know how to build bridges. Bridges that join, yes, and not walls that divide and separate men,” he said.
At the conclusion of the welcome, the priest invoked upon the pilgrims God’s blessing and sprayed them with holy water. The motorists entered the temple to pray before the blessed image of St. Lazarus, lay flowers on his altar and light candles. Some simply stayed to enjoy the spiritual peace of the temple, which is “everyone’s house.”
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