10-Feb-99 -- EWTN News Brief
(Cwnews.Com) - A Mass To Pray For The Release Of Political prisoners in Cuba was celebrated on February 7 at Immaculate Conception Church, located in a populous district of Havana, according to the outlawed Cuban Commission on Human Rights.
The Mass celebrated by Father Daniel Mujica came about in a tense environment since the ceremony, attended mostly by relatives of political prisoners, was closely monitored by agents of the Department of State Security.
"We came to pray in particular for our relatives, but also to pray for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba," said Ana Aguililla, wife of Francisco Chaviano, a dissident accused by the government of treason. "I am happy to see the agents (of State Security) are here, because they could convert after listening to the homily," said Magaly de Armas, wife of Vladimiro Roca, another dissident sentenced to 18 months in prison for sedition.
During the Mass, the priest also prayed for the successful visit of the king of Spain, Juan Carlos. The king's visit is regarded by several dissidents as an occasion to put pressure on the Communist Cuban government in favor of the release of political prisoners.