This Monday, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in El Cobre welcomes thousands of pilgrims who, despite Cuba's severe transportation issues, will arrive to pay homage to "Cachita" on the eve of her liturgical feast, the island's most significant religious celebration.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba has announced that the shrine will remain continuously open from 6:00 p.m. on Monday until midnight on Tuesday, September 8th, the day when Cuba honors its Patroness. "National identity and religious faith walk hand in hand among the people," the church institution stated while outlining the event preparations.
On September 8th, the schedule begins with a midnight mass led by the archbishop, followed by another service at 9:30 a.m. The day will conclude with a parish mass at 8:00 p.m., and an hour later, a Marian music concert featuring the Orfeón Santiago and Vox Lucis choirs.
To ensure the faithful are well-attended, around one hundred volunteers from the El Cobre parish, mostly members of the Emaús Brotherhood and its branches—Emaús Couples, Effetá, and Bartimeo—will work in shifts throughout the day.
The Archdiocese openly acknowledged the challenges facing those wishing to make the pilgrimage: "We are aware of the transportation difficulties and the hardships of reaching the shrine, which strengthens our commitment to provide the warmest welcome. Keep your spirits up!" they expressed in a statement.
The shrine reaches this festivity in the midst of recovery from the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which destroyed over 80% of its stained glass windows and toppled a marble angel. Restoration progressed in phases throughout 2026: upper stained glass windows were reinstalled in April, the staircase lighting was restored in March, and the final restoration phase began in August with the installation of pending stained glass, painting projects, and sculpture restoration.
To crown this recovery, a new lighting system for the basilica's main cross debuted at the start of September, just in time to welcome this year's pilgrims.
Devotion to Our Lady of Charity dates back to the early 17th century. Tradition states that between 1612 and 1613, three young men, known as the "three Juans," found her image floating in the Bay of Nipe on a board inscribed with "I am the Virgin of Charity." Since then, the figure was moved to the mining town of El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba, where the veneration that now unites the nation began.
In 1916, Pope Benedict XV formally declared her the Patroness of Cuba at the request of Independence War veterans; in 1998, John Paul II crowned her Queen of Cuba. Her figure transcends Catholicism: in Afro-Cuban religion, "Cachita" is syncretized with Oshun, the Yoruba deity of love and fresh waters, making her a unifying symbol for the entire nation beyond creeds and races.
The Archdiocese's message for the 2026 festivity encapsulates the spirit with which millions of Cubans, both on the island and abroad, draw near to their Patroness: "We hold that it is Faith that saves Cuba and, thus, our strongest efforts in Evangelization. In Christ, there is Life, and His Holy Mother leads us to Him."
Understanding the Significance of Our Lady of Charity in Cuba
Why is Our Lady of Charity important to Cubans?
Our Lady of Charity is a symbol of national identity and faith for Cubans. Her devotion dates back to the early 17th century, and she is seen as a unifying figure that transcends religious and racial divides.
What challenges do pilgrims face when visiting El Cobre?
Pilgrims face significant transportation difficulties due to Cuba's ongoing issues, making the journey to El Cobre challenging. The Archdiocese works to provide a warm welcome despite these challenges.
How has the shrine recovered from Hurricane Melissa?
The shrine underwent a phased restoration process following Hurricane Melissa's destruction in 2025. This included reinstalling stained glass, restoring lighting, and repairing sculptures, culminating in new lighting for the main cross.