Mass Held in Cuba for Hugo Chavez

HAVANA TIMES — Parishioners at the National Shrine of St. Lazarus, in Havana, prayed for the health of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during Lent Mass, which takes place every February 17^th on behalf of the sick, reported Prensa Latina.

“May the Lord give him strength in this special moment,” said father Sergio Cabrera, who officiated the Mass before hundreds of attendees, among whom were Venezuelan Ambassador Edgar Ramirez and young people from that country who are studying on the island.

The Catholic Church has held other similar ceremonies at the Cathedral of Havana, the Church of the Virgen de Caridad del Cobre in Santiago de Cuba, and the Santuario de Regla, noted the priest.

President Hugo Chávez made a surprise return to Venezuela early on Monday, 10 weeks after leaving for cancer surgery in Cuba, sparking celebration among his supporters