Monsignor Manuel Hilario, Great-Great-Grandson of Cuba's Founding Father, Dies

The Cuban Catholic Church mourns the loss of Monsignor Manuel Hilario de Céspedes García-Menocal, the beloved emeritus bishop of Matanzas. His passing was confirmed late Wednesday by the Diocese of Pinar del Río through an emotional announcement on Facebook, commemorating his life and contributions to the church.

The statement from the Diocese expressed grief, saying, "On the night of March 26, 2025, the Catholic Church received the sorrowful news of the departure to the Father's House of the last of the De Céspedes García-Menocal lineage." They further reflected, "Mons. Manuel Hilario has gone to be with the One who formed and called him to shepherd His flock."

Born on March 11, 1944, in La Víbora, Havana, Manuel Hilario was the youngest of five siblings. In 1961, his family moved to Puerto Rico, where he studied electrical engineering before joining the San José Seminary in Caracas, Venezuela. He was ordained as a priest on May 21, 1972, and returned to Cuba in 1984, after over two decades abroad, to fully engage in pastoral work.

A Life of Service and Dedication

His return to Cuba was deeply symbolic, as the Diocese recalled, "He returned to the homeland where his ancestors fought for freedom, instilling the same love in future generations." His ministry spanned both rural and urban parishes in Pinar del Río, including Las Minas de Matahambre and Santa Lucía, and he founded the parish of San Francisco de Asís in the Reparto Hermanos Cruz. Since 1986, he also managed the temple of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad.

Known for his closeness to the common people, Monsignor Manuel Hilario would often sit in a corner of the temple before mass, ready to hear confessions or note the names of the deceased for prayers. His involvement extended beyond spiritual duties; he participated in community activities, from catechesis to cultural events, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and unity.

A Legacy of Compassion and Commitment

In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the bishop of Matanzas, a role he held until retirement due to health reasons. His influence was felt in the landmark Cuban National Ecclesial Meeting (ENEC) of 1986, and he served as an advisor to the Catholic magazine Vitral, among other roles.

Those who knew him remember a man of firm yet generous character, often responding with his signature phrase, "What do you need?" before rearranging his schedule to accommodate others. His simple response to gratitude was, "To serve God, the Homeland, and you."

His pastoral work transformed communities, organizing house-to-house missions, encouraging lay participation, and ensuring spiritual depth in liturgical practices. He never ceased visiting the sick or attending to the needy, and he showed concern for political prisoners, notably visiting Félix Navarro Rodríguez, a political prisoner, in 2021.

The community cherishes his memory as a shepherd who devoted his life to service. As noted by his peers, "How to speak about humble people without compromising their dignity? His life's actions speak for themselves."

Remembering a Remarkable Life

With his passing, Cuba loses not only an exemplary priest but also the last descendant of his family line. Manuel Hilario was the great-great-grandson of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the initiator of Cuba's independence wars and revered as the Father of the Homeland.

His wake took place Thursday at the San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral in Matanzas, where clergy and friends gathered to honor his life and service. "Wake at San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral in Matanzas, Cuba, for Mons. Manuel Hilario de Céspedes García-Menocal, a brother of Mons. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes García-Menocal, last descendants of the Father of the Homeland. May he rest in peace and eternal light shine upon him," wrote Facebook user Fernando Suárez, capturing the respect and admiration for the late bishop.

A relative, Julio Héctor Smith García-Menocal, shared his farewell on social media, saying, "My uncle, Mons. Manuel Hilario de Céspedes y García Menocal, is now in our Father's house, with all the family," conveying a message of faith and hope that marked his farewell.

Catholic activist Dagoberto Valdés Hernández also paid tribute, writing, "He has returned to the Father's House, S.E. Mons. Manuel Hilario de Céspedes y García Menocal, emeritus bishop of Matanzas. Father Manolo was a Cuban with deep patriotic roots, a consistent and prophetic Christian, an exemplary priest, and a solicitous bishop." Valdés expressed gratitude for their years of collaboration and the profound lessons learned from Monsignor Manuel Hilario's dedication to Christ, Cuba, and the Church.