In a heartfelt display of hope and yearning for freedom, hundreds of Cubans living in exile in Miami kicked off festivities this weekend in honor of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, Cuba's Patroness, celebrated annually on September 8. Gathered at the iconic Sentir Cubano store on Calle Ocho—one of the key stops for the traditional procession through Miami-Dade—the attendees fervently prayed for an end to the ongoing crisis in their homeland.
"Let her liberate our country; it's time to finally emerge from this dictatorship that's destroying us. How many more years will this continue?" expressed a devoted participant, as reported by Martí Noticias.
Father José Espino, rector of the Shrine of Charity, emphasized that with the novena beginning the previous Saturday, Cuban exiles dedicate nine days of prayer for their nation. "We ask for the rebirth of hope and freedom for our people," the priest stated.
Among those present were artists, community leaders, and activists, including Ninoska Pérez Castellón, who highlighted that the pilgrim Virgin traveling through Miami's streets is the same one that arrived in the United States at the start of the exile following the Castro regime's rise to power. "This is the faith, the devotion of Cubans to the Virgin, to the mother... It doesn't matter what religion they practice, the Virgin is always in the hearts of Cubans," Pérez Castellón affirmed.
The celebrations are set to continue throughout the week with cultural and spiritual activities, culminating on September 8 at the Shrine with a solemn mass led by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
A Symbol of Identity and Freedom for Cubans
The Virgin of Charity of Cobre holds a significant place beyond religious devotion; for Cubans, she embodies support in their struggle for independence from a dictatorship that has cast a long shadow over the island for more than six decades.
According to Catholic tradition, the image appeared in 1612 over the waters of Nipe Bay, discovered by two indigenous brothers and an enslaved boy searching for salt. Since then, her worship has spread and merged with Afro-Cuban practices, where she is revered as Ochún, the goddess of love and fresh waters.
During the wars of independence, she was known as the Mambisa Virgin, and in 1916, Pope Benedict XV declared her Patroness of Cuba. In 1998, Pope John Paul II personally crowned her during his visit to the island.
Today, on each September 8, thousands of Cubans, both on the island and in exile, lay yellow flowers, candles, and prayers at her feet. For many, the Charity symbolizes hope, faith, and freedom, values that resonate across both the spiritual and political landscapes of the Cuban nation.
Understanding the Role of the Virgin of Charity in Cuban Culture
What does the Virgin of Charity represent for Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity represents hope, faith, and freedom for many Cubans. She symbolizes resistance against the longstanding dictatorship and embodies both spiritual and cultural identity.
How is the Virgin of Charity celebrated in Miami?
In Miami, Cuban exiles celebrate the Virgin of Charity with prayers, processions, and cultural activities. The celebrations culminate in a solemn mass at the Shrine of Charity, led by the Archbishop of Miami.
How did the Virgin of Charity become the Patroness of Cuba?
The Virgin of Charity was declared the Patroness of Cuba by Pope Benedict XV in 1916, and her significance was further recognized when Pope John Paul II crowned her during his visit to the island in 1998.