The health of Monsignor Mario Eusebio Mestril Vega, the emeritus bishop of Ciego de Ávila, has worsened significantly over the past two days, necessitating increased medical care, according to a statement released by the Ciego de Ávila diocese on Friday.
In a Facebook post, the Diocese of Ciego de Ávila expressed the need for vigilant monitoring of Monsignor Mestril's condition, though the message did not specify the nature of his health issues or provide a detailed diagnosis.
"For the last two days, the health of Monsignor Mario Mestril, Emeritus Bishop of our Diocese of Ciego de Ávila, has been declining rapidly, requiring intensified care," the diocese announced.
In light of the situation, the diocese called upon priests, deacons, religious members, and the faithful to keep the bishop in their prayers, asking for the Lord's support and strength for him.
The diocese promised to provide timely updates on his health and recalled Psalm 23, which Mestril chose for his episcopal ordination: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
The statement, dated September 25, is signed by Reverend Randol Pineda Muñoz, the diocesan chancellor and spokesperson.
Legacy of Bishop Mario Mestril
Mestril holds a significant place in the history of the Avileña Catholic Church. Appointed by Pope John Paul II, he became the first bishop of the Diocese of Ciego de Ávila on February 2, 1996, and assumed his duties later that year on April 28.
He was ordained as bishop on February 9, 1992, and continued to lead the diocese until 2017, when he became emeritus bishop.
Recent Losses in the Cuban Catholic Church
The concern over Mestril's health follows a series of recent events affecting prominent figures in the Cuban Catholic Church. In late August, Monsignor Juan Francisco Vega Rodríguez, known affectionately as Father Vega, passed away at the age of 92 in Cienfuegos. His final months were marked by physical decline following a fall that resulted in a hip fracture.
In July, the Cuban Church mourned the loss of Monsignor Enrique Aurelio García Rodríguez, a priest from the Diocese of Santa Clara with close ties to Sancti Spíritus, who died at the age of 91 from cardiac arrest.
Additionally, there was concern for Monsignor Silvano Pedroso Montalvo, bishop of Guantánamo-Baracoa, whose condition was deemed "very delicate" in June after medical examinations in Rome revealed an oncological illness. Sadly, he passed away shortly thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health of Cuban Catholic Bishops
Who is Mario Eusebio Mestril Vega?
Mario Eusebio Mestril Vega is the emeritus bishop of the Diocese of Ciego de Ávila, having served as its first bishop since its creation in 1996.
What recent events have affected the Cuban Catholic Church?
The Cuban Catholic Church has experienced the loss of several prominent figures recently, including Monsignor Juan Francisco Vega Rodríguez and Monsignor Enrique Aurelio García Rodríguez, as well as concerns over the health of Monsignor Silvano Pedroso Montalvo.