Iraida Román Martínez, the sister of Monsignor Agustín Román, who was the first Cuban bishop in the Catholic Church in the United States, passed away in Miami on August 16 at the age of 83. According to the obituary published this Sunday by Daniel Shoer Roth for El Nuevo Herald, Iraida was a key collaborator and confidante of her brother, known as the spiritual father of the Cuban exile community.
Román Martínez succumbed to a stroke and had long been a caregiver for her brother. "Funeral services were held on Tuesday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, a symbol of Cuban exile, where Iraida played a silent yet crucial role in its construction," the note highlights.
In 1967, thanks to her brother's efforts, Iraida arrived in Miami with her two children, leaving behind her husband, Jorge Luis Martínez, who was imprisoned. The family was only reunited in 1980 after his release.
Historian Julio Estorino told El Nuevo Herald that Iraida's home was a hub for reviewing bulletins and drafting letters for the Cofradía de la Virgen de la Caridad members to raise funds for the Shrine's construction. She was also instrumental in the initial pilgrimages of the Cuban Municipalities, always working behind the scenes but steadfastly supporting the creation of the sanctuary dedicated to Cuba's patroness in exile.
Her daughter Ileana described her mother as "a second mother to Monsignor," adding, "Our lives revolved around him and the Shrine. It was a sacrifice, but also a privilege."
The Legacy of Monsignor Agustín Román
Monsignor Agustín Román, auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Miami, passed away in 2012 at the age of 83 due to cardiac arrest. He was at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity when he suffered the heart attack.
Expelled from Cuba in 1961 by Fidel Castro's regime along with 130 other clergymen, Román arrived in Miami in 1966. He quickly became synonymous with the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, Cuba's patroness. Román oversaw its construction and remained active there even after retiring as its rector and as an auxiliary bishop of Miami, continuing his involvement until the final months of his life.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity was transformed by the bishop into a center of pilgrimage and prayer, drawing thousands of Cubans from around the globe. Born on May 5, 1928, in San Antonio de los Baños, south of Havana, Román was ordained a priest in Cuba in 1959. Resigned to the fact that he could not return to his homeland, Román once said, "I know that when I am in heaven, I will be able to see Cuba much better."
Understanding the Impact of Iraida Román Martínez and Monsignor Agustín Román
Who was Iraida Román Martínez?
Iraida Román Martínez was the sister of Monsignor Agustín Román, the first Cuban bishop in the United States Catholic Church. She was a dedicated collaborator and caregiver to her brother and played a significant role in the Cuban exile community.
What contributions did Iraida Román make to the Cuban exile community?
Iraida Román was instrumental in the construction of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, a key symbol for the Cuban exile community. She also supported the initial pilgrimages of the Cuban Municipalities and was involved in fundraising efforts for the Shrine.
What was Monsignor Agustín Román's role in Miami?
Monsignor Agustín Román was an influential figure in Miami's Catholic community. He oversaw the construction of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity and turned it into a center of pilgrimage and prayer for Cubans worldwide.