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El Calvario

Fred Hiltz

Published March 31, 2014

(This column first appeared in the April 2014 issue of the Anglican Journal.)

It was literally a full house with standing room only at the eucharist on Sunday, February 16 in Luyano, a very poor area in Havana, Cuba. I was warmly welcomed, along with the Ven. Dr. Michael Thompson (general secretary, Anglican Church of Canada), Dr. Andrea Mann (global relations coordinator, Anglican Church of Canada) and the Revs. Drs. Ed and Kaye Schmitt (priests from the diocese of New Westminster who served several years in the diocese of El Salvador and joined us out of interest in the church in Cuba). The congregation has been gathering for worship in the priest’s house ever since “El Calvario”-their lovely temple, as they call their church building-was completely destroyed in a hurricane almost 30 years ago. They are a people of deep faith, much love and abiding hope. They sing and pray with a joy and passion that is incredibly moving.

After the liturgy, they were very excited to show us the considerable progress made in the construction of their new temple. When we last saw it two years ago, the foundation had been poured and the walls were up. Now it has a roof and a bell tower. Inside, a balcony wraps around three sides of the worship space. The lectern and pulpit are in place. As funds become available, the walls are being painted pastel yellow, with white trim. In the wall behind the altar, an opening has been cut in the shape of a cross, through which the sunlight will pour in over the people.

The Canadian primate chairs the Metropolitan Council of Cuba, which provides oversight and advice to the diocese of Cuba. Archbishop Fred Hiltz was in Havana for its recent diocesan synod and visited some parishes, including El Calvario, above. Photo: Michael Thompson

With great enthusiasm, they said this temple will serve not only as a venue for worship but also for a number of community programs: medical clinics, elder care, support for single parents and help for families and individuals struggling with addictions. There are also plans for a fully fenced playground for children and youth.

Aptly named (El Calvario means “Calvary” in English), this congregation is what the Archbishop of Canterbury calls “a cross-shaped church,” not so much in form and fabric as in spirit and service. It sees the community through the cross-its suffering and its hope. It sees the community through the love of the crucified and risen Lord, and the new life to which his eyes and heart and hands invite us all.

In whatever state of detailed completion El Calvario may be, it will be consecrated on Easter Day. How awesome is that? Alleluia!