On 28 July 2026, the Cathedral of Saint Isidore in Holguín, Cuba, hosted a Mass in memory of Saint Pedro Poveda, who gave his life as a martyr for the faith on that very day in 1936. Holguín thus joined in celebrations taking place in various parts of the world on this day. The celebration in Holguín coincided with the conclusion of the 12th Summer School for Educators.
The celebration brought together members of the Teresian Association (TA), co-workers and friends, as well as the Catholic teaching staff taking part in the 12th St Pedro Poveda Summer School for Educators, an annual event launched by the TA in the diocese in 2010 and in which several of its members continue to be involved. (Pictured: the participants with their certificates).
The present moment
The liturgy in memory of Saint Pedro Poveda was enlivened by Cuban songs and some specific to the Association. During the celebration, those present were urged to keep the faith. The evangelising mission of the diocese was entrusted to Pedro Poveda at a time of difficulty in the current situation in Cuba.
The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Francisco Expósito Cordón, Vicar General of the diocese and parish priest of the cathedral. In his homily, he recalled aspects of the life of the founder of the Teresian Association – a priest, educator and martyr.
He also highlighted the growing roots of the Teresian Association in Holguín and the fact that this year’s Eucharist was celebrated without the presence of those who had first introduced Poveda’s charism to the diocese and who were absent for various reasons. The seeds that have been sown and the capabilities of the new TA members in Holguín make this continuity possible. This fills us with joy and gratitude to God and demonstrates the fruitfulness of the charism as we contemplate its fruits on Cuban soil.
Smiles and hope
A few days earlier, the ‘Drawing Smiles’ project run by the Saint Pedro Poveda Resource Centre – which is dedicated to helping both neurodivergent and neurotypical people develop their skills – held a wonderful closing celebration attended by the participants of the project, teaching staff, family members and TA staff involved. A small example of how to bring to life the ‘love in action and in truth’ which, guided by the Gospel, Poveda has also sown in Cuba and which inspires hope in these difficult times.
Alexis Pupo Micó, Holguín.
Published in News