Since December 16, the San Lazaro Corner in Hialeah has been welcoming hundreds of Cuban devotees who arrive with vows, requests, and expressions of gratitude.
The Day of Saint Lazarus, one of the most significant dates for the Cuban exile community, continues to unfold on December 17 with a powerful mix of faith, emotion, and popular devotion.
This spiritual enclave, located at 1190 E 4 Ave in Hialeah, together with the church of the same name at 17390 SW 200 St in Miami, becomes a pilgrimage epicenter each December for those who honor the patron of the sick, the poor, and animals.
Night of Vigil and Fulfilled Promises
The observance began the night before. On Tuesday, the temple opened its doors to welcome the first worshippers who attended a mass at 6:00 p.m. and another at 11:00 p.m. in an atmosphere of solemnity and hope.
"It was a profound moment of reflection, where we lifted our prayers and thanks, trusting Saint Lazarus to intercede as the protector of the sick and needy," shared a post on the Facebook page known as Rincón de Hialeah.
The church remained open all night, allowing a continuous flow of believers who came to fulfill promises, light candles, and pray. Some arrived after long walks, barefoot or on their knees, as personal sacrifices offered to the saint.
Stories of Living Faith
José Alberto Leiva, one of the devotees present, shared his story with Telemundo 51, his voice filled with emotion.
"Saint Lazarus has granted me many things. Being able to come from the northwest and crawl all the way here, it shows me that faith is the last thing to lose," he said. Leiva assures he never felt alone on his journey, considering it a way to thank for a miracle received: "I do it as a sacrifice because he lifted me up a lot. When I needed it most, he helped me, and I promised him this, so I'm fulfilling it."
Another believer recounted that 61 years ago, she survived a serious accident thanks to what she believes was Saint Lazarus's intervention: "I was completely burned and I'm alive. I was burned on December 7 and came back to life on December 16 (...) Always by his side, with my mother, my mother in Cuba, and me here."
Every corner of the temple echoes with stories. For many, this celebration is not just a religious tradition but a spiritual inheritance connecting generations both inside and outside Cuba.
"I love him with my life because he has my daughter there, whom I almost lost, but I made a vow: as long as I live, I will go to Saint Lazarus on foot," another devotee declared.
Main Activities on December 17
Throughout the day, activities continue with high participation. The church has been open since early morning, and at 6:00 p.m., a special Holy Mass is scheduled, one of the most anticipated moments for worshippers. Later, at 8:00 p.m., the traditional procession in honor of the saint will take place around the sanctuary.
Both activities are considered highlights of the day, filled with symbolism, emotion, and community unity. Temple authorities have confirmed that the doors will remain open until midnight to accommodate those arriving after work or from other South Florida cities.
The so-called Festival of Saint Lazarus will conclude on Thursday, December 18, with a final closing mass at 5:00 p.m., wrapping up a series of events that establish the San Lazaro Corner as a vital spiritual enclave for the Cuban exile community.
More Than Religion: Identity and Resilience
While for many, Saint Lazarus is a religious figure—whether as the Catholic saint or as Babalu-Ayé in Afro-Cuban Santería—for others, he also symbolizes resilience, healing, and a connection to their roots.
Social media has once again served as a platform to share testimonies, photos, and prayers. From Miami to Havana, and in cities with a strong Cuban presence, messages reflect a faith that knows no borders.
"Whether sick or not, I have to come here to fulfill my vow," a parishioner expressed, tears in her eyes, with the conviction of knowing that tradition is also a form of love and memory.
In Hialeah, the celebration continues. Candles remain lit, prayers are repeated, and the San Lazaro Corner transforms once more into an altar where the Cuban community reaffirms their faith and identity under the compassionate gaze of the miraculous "Old Man."
Understanding the Impact of Saint Lazarus Celebrations
What significance does Saint Lazarus hold for the Cuban community?
Saint Lazarus is revered as the protector of the sick, the poor, and animals. For many Cubans, he represents resilience, healing, and a link to their cultural and spiritual heritage.
How do devotees express their faith during the celebrations?
Devotees participate in masses, processions, and personal sacrifices such as walking long distances barefoot or on their knees. They also light candles and share testimonials of faith and gratitude.
What role do social media play in these celebrations?
Social media platforms allow devotees to share stories, photos, and prayers, connecting people across geographic boundaries and reinforcing a sense of community and shared faith.