With thanks to God for the life of Archbishop Alfredo Víctor Petit Vergel, Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García, archbishop of Havana, dismissed the beloved auxiliary bishop emeritus of this archdiocese, a priest of great apostolic zeal, who knew how to live his ministry of consecration to Cuba and its Church in the midst of a context of limitations and prejudices.
Taking as a reference the monument that stands at the gates of the Colón cemetery, which represents the three theological virtues, the Archbishop of Havana highlighted that Bishop Petit was a man of proven faith, of confident hope and of silent charity.
“Hope makes us walk, he assured, and Father Petit was that traveler who, even in difficult situations, trusted in the Lord and continued his mission together with his Church.” He stressed that as a man of faith, he worked hard from silence, he was close to families, friends, but especially young people, who found in him a loving, critical and accurate father.
Recognizing him as an authentic practitioner of that charity that does not seek to proclaim himself, the Cuban cardinal assured that Bishop Petit will be remembered by many, whom he helped and accompanied, and who do know of his quiet and sustained dedication.
At the funeral mass, celebrated in the parish of San Francisco de Paula, in the neighborhood of La Víbora, the apostolic nuncio in Cuba, Bishop Giampiero Gloder read the message of Pope Francis, in which he expresses his gratitude for the generous ministry of Mons. Petit, whom he recognizes as a pastor who knew how to give himself for the good of the holy people of God in Cuba, as parish priest, as formator and rector of the Seminary, and as auxiliary bishop of Havana. “He had a true pastoral heart, capable of acting with the firmness and strength that comes from God and, at the same time, with the mercy, understanding and grace of the Lord that prints and multiplies these gifts.”
At the end of his message, the Holy Father offered his prayer to God for the eternal rest of the soul of Bishop Alfredo Petit, recommending it to the maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary, and he prayed for the consolation of all the people who have known him and suffer their loss.
Accompanying Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García, the current and emeritus bishops of Pinar del Río, Monsignors Juan de Dios Hernández and Jorge Serpa, as well as Mons. Arturo González, bishop of Santa Clara. In addition, priests, men and women religious and laity of the Archdiocese attended.
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