With mass and two floral offerings, the events began in Cuenca

The celebration for the 201 years of independence of Cuenca began early with official acts. First a mass was celebrated and then floral offerings were placed where a particular situation occurred, which had not been seen in recent years. There were two ceremonies of similar characteristics, one of the local and national authorities, and then another in which the Vice President of the Republic participated.

Early in the morning, the meeting was at the Cathedral of the Immaculate, where the also traditional Thanksgiving Mass was held. The readings were given by municipal authorities and employees, while the homily was led by the archbishop of the city, Marcos Pérez.

After listening to the Gospel of Saint Paul that made reference to issues such as social inequality, the Bishop stood in front of the altar to say a few words to the participants with the aim of having a better society.

“We know that because of our selfishness we cannot love our neighbor as ourselves, that is why every day we ask God to give us strength to forgive the offenses received. We ask him to increase the patience that we so need to listen to our brother, ”he said.

Cuenca faces challenges in mobility, tourism and industrial expansion; today celebrates 201 years of independence with a varied agenda

Minutes later he asked publicly who are the excluded today and from his perspective are unborn children, peasants, those who cannot access education, among others.

Around 09:00, the concentration was in Calderón Park and particularly in front of the monument to Abdón Calderón. Everything flowed normally and according to the usual protocol of recent years: the National Anthem was sung, floral offerings were placed, the Army band sang the Touch of Silence and the Hymn to Cuenca concluded.

Local and national authorities such as the Mayor, Prefect, President of the National Court of Justice, Minister of Defense, First Vice President of the National Assembly, among others, participated in this part of the event.

But one was missing, the Vice President of the Republic Alfredo Borrero, who waited for the ceremony to end to participate in another, escorted by authorities from the three branches of the Army.

Concerts, festivals, fairs and gastronomic routes, among the previous activities for the 201 years of independence that Cuenca will experience this November 3

When the Vice President was asked why the placement of offerings was divided into two parts, he replied that it was a ceremony organized by the Armed Forces and that he was only “as a guest.”

Alfredo Borrero will also participate in the Solemn Session scheduled for 3:00 pm today and did not advance whether there will be any announcement for Cuenca in reference to road or security issues, because “the charm will be broken.” (I)