That environment also required one to take political sides. At that time Castro and Communist leaders had a mutual mistrust. He later maneuvered between parties before settling into a nationalist, anti-U.S. stance. It was only then that the church reappeared in Castro's life. Here's a quick rundown of events where Castro and religion have mixed since then.
Several priests join the rebel army as chaplains.
Victorious Castro marches into Havana wearing a chain around his neck showing Cuba's patron saint, the Virgin of Charity. Speakers praise Castro's overthrow of Fulgencio Batista dictatorship but criticize communism, class struggle and atheism. Pastoral letter by Cuban bishops praises the idea of social reforms but warns against communism. Three priests are among the Bay of Pigs invaders captured by Cuba. Militia occupy a number of churches and briefly imprison leaders suspected of favoring the invasion.