Crowd shouts of `miracle' for exiled bishop's return

Published Wednesday, January 21, 1998, in the Miami Herald

Crowd shouts of `miracle' for exiled bishop's return

HAVANA -- (AP) -- In a concession to Pope John Paul II that had some churchgoers in tears, a bishop expelled from Cuba at the lowest point of church-state relations was allowed to return and celebrate Mass in his old parish Tuesday.

Bishop Eduardo Boza Masvidal, expelled in 1961 and returning for only the second
time since then, made a triumphant entry to the Our Lady of Charity Church in Havana to lead a Mass.

Amid scattered shouts of ``miracle,'' Boza walked into the packed church in a procession of more than 20 priests and altar boys.

The slight, stoop-shouldered Boza, whose face bears a resemblance to the pontiff, smiled and waved his arms as parishioners applauded enthusiastically. Many churchgoers wept openly.

``It's a miracle,'' said 62-year-old Cupertina Gutierrez, wiping away tears. ``We didn't hope to have this. We didn't expect this.''

Boza, who lives in exile in Venezuela, was allowed back into Cuba for a visit in 1988, when he also celebrated Mass.

Boza's falling-out with the Cuban government dates to September 1961, when the anti-communist prelate held a massive celebration attended by 4,000 people on the feast day of Cuba's patron saint.

Following the celebration, participants began a procession to the presidential palace, some shouting slogans against the government. A melee ensued, and a passing teenager was killed.

Later that month, the government expelled Boza and 129 other priests, and outlawed religious processions.

A nationwide prayer vigil was planned in churches throughout the country Tuesday evening.

Outside downtown Havana's Our Lady of Carmine Church, boys and girls joyously swung each other around as young and old worshipers sang and prayed.