I have said many times that my father fulfilled multiple functions.
Besides being a father, grandfather, social worker and educator, he was also a dedicated social activist for various causes related to justice.
Many of our Cuban relatives remember my dad as a pastor who spoke courageously about what it meant to be a religious leader fighting against the injustice of the brutal US blockade of Cuba. He is remembered as a social activist who, like David, fought against Goliath and confronted the powerful US empire.
For me, of course, he was above all my dad. But, because of the man he was, he also taught me what it meant to be a teacher, a pastor, a person who stood up, willing to risk his life if necessary (which sometimes generated fear and worry in his family and friends).
I co-directed the infamous delegation to Nicaragua when my father was shot by the Contra forces, backed by the US government. Although that life-changing incident frightened me, I also proudly witnessed how he transformed what I, as his daughter, saw as a personal tragedy into a movement: Pastors for Peace! Since 1987, Pastors for Peace has led dozens of caravans to Central America and the Caribbean.
Since 1992, thousands of people have experienced Cuba first-hand by participating in delegations and caravans organised by IFCO/Pastors for Peace. These journeys also provided caravanists the opportunity to directly educate their relatives and friends about Cuban reality.
Equally important, I also witnessed how my father worked humbly with people of faith and conscience in the United States and around the world to support our Cuban family, who have been relentlessly terrorised by the US empire for over six decades.
To this day, participants from past caravans frequently remind me of the transformative impact of the Pastors for Peace project.
On this 15th anniversary of his departure from this world to join our beloved ancestors, it is an honour to remember his legacy and recall the many lessons he taught us.
Lucius continues to shine a bright light on those of us who fight for social justice!
Lucius Lives!
The Fighting Continues!
