Tampa parish raises money for new Catholic Church in Cuba

TAMPA (FOX 13) -

The first stone for a church is laid in Santino, Cuba.

A priest blesses a new building.

"(They say), Father, this is ours," said Father Ramon Hernandez. "(They say) this is what we want. That's important."

For decades, Father Hernandez has wished his native city of 40,000, could have a place to worship.

"I never broke my tie with my family, my friends and my church in Cuba," Hernandez said.

But Cuba's government blocked new churches, forcing believers to hold services in their own homes.

After visits from several Popes, the government relaxed its opposition.

This year, Father Hernandez, of Tampa's St. Lawrence Church, helped win approval for a new building.

"Some Cubans are looking for the past," said Hernandez. "I am looking for the future. In that future, the church has a special role in Cuban life."

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Tampa parish raises money for new Catholic Church in Cuba