Last May, Aid to the Church in Need launched a campaign to send 400,000 rosaries to Cuba, but, having sent the latest major installment of 150,000, the Cuban authorities have told the charity it will only accept them in batches of 10,000.
The charity has responded by stepping up its efforts to provide a regular supply of rosaries.
The rosaries — produced with the personal backing of Pope John Paul II — are made near Venice. They are sent to Rome where the Vatican arranges for them to be flown to the Cuban capital, Havana, via Madrid, Spain.
Staffers at the Cuban bishops’ conference, which first requested the rosaries, are responsible for distributing the rosaries to the dioceses across the island.
The first batches of rosaries to arrive are already making a difference in the parishes with people being taught the Marian prayer and its spiritual significance.
ACN staff coordinating the project say they are confident that they will overcome any delays in people receiving their rosaries.
The Cuban bishops say the rosary is vital for evangelization because the Cuban people like the simplicity of the prayers.
