Lessons learned in Cuba with Pope

As a 15-year-old, Ulysses deArmas traveled to Cuba to visit relatives. Like many teens traveling with family, he didn't appreciate the trip.

"I had no idea of what I'd gotten into. I couldn't appreciate what I saw," he said. "Ever since then, I swore I'd be back and appreciate what I'd missed."

Eighteen years later, Brother Ulysses, the campus minister at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, got his chance. He traveled to the Caribbean nation for Pope John Paul II's recent historical visit. The trip has made a lasting impression on the brother.

'Lesson in hope'

"For me, it was a great lesson in hope," he said. "The Cubans live on hope. They don't live on tomorrow; they live on today. They live day-to-day without a care in the world."

He was also impressed by their faith. "For a country under communist rule for 40 years, you would have thought atheism or communism never existed," he said. "They were so happy to have the leader of Christianity there. It felt as if the Pope had been there dozens of times before."

Brother Ulysses attended two of the papal Masses, the first in the city of Santa Clara and the other in Havana. "The most impressive moment was at the first Mass during communion," he recalled. "They were only letting certain people go. I was standing there praying and a woman came up to me and asked, `How can they refuse me reception of my Lord?' I was astounded by her faith."

Reunion

During the visit, Brother Ulysses was able to see many of his aunts, uncles and cousins, and deliver needed items, like clothing, to them.

His father left Cuba in 1961, followed by his mother and brother in 1962. While his brother is now a U.S. citizen, he is still considered a Cuban citizen who did not serve in the military and would be unable to visit the country.

Brother Ulysses said his family was thrilled he had the chance to travel to Cuba for the Pope's visit. "My mother was absolutely ecstatic," he said. "She was screaming on the phone with elation. She was supportive."

Impressions

The trip left a multi-sensory impression on Brother Ulysses. He enjoyed Cuban coffee, cigars and calamari; was impressed by the beauty of the country; and was stunned by the reverence Cubans had for their flag and national anthem.

"There is a very strong sense of nationalism," he said. "There is a respect for the Cuban flag like I've never seen. Before Mass, they played the national anthem. Everyone stopped and sang the with enthusiasm. People here keep their hats on and talk during ours."

He was also surprised to see old American cars in the country. "If you're a car aficionado, there was the largest collection of American antique cars. There were DeSotos, Cadillacs," he said.

Brother Ulysses hopes the trip will continue to have an impact on him. "It gave me a better awareness of the poor and what I can do for the poor," he said. "I thought, 'What can I do for the people of Cuba?' I can pray. My mission is to ask people to pray for the Cuban Church."

(02-05-98) [[In-content Ad]]