Amid the backdrop of Cuba's ongoing crisis, devoted followers took to the streets of Vedado, Havana, carrying an image of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, adorned with yellow and white flowers. The procession, organized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish, took place on September 7th and 8th, honoring Cuba's patroness.
Photos captured by photographer Pedro Luis García and shared online by journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro reveal the Marian figure on a carriage, set against the neogothic facade of Vedado's church. This event in Havana was part of a series of celebrations occurring simultaneously across the island and within the Cuban diaspora.
In El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, the Sanctuary remained open continuously from Monday afternoon until Tuesday midnight, hosting masses at midnight, 9:30 AM, and 8 PM. The main procession in Santiago commenced from the Archbishop's headquarters to the Cathedral, under the theme "Charity Unites Us."
Meanwhile, in Miami, the exile community gathered at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center. The celebration featured a solemn mass conducted by Archbishop Thomas Wenski, preceded by a rosary and a procession of apostolic movements. The Cuban devotion in Miami dates back to 1961, when the image arrived, and the Ermita de la Caridad, constructed between 1967 and 1973, remains a key site for this religious and patriotic legacy.
This year's festivities carry particular symbolic weight. Cuba is enduring one of its most severe energy crises, with power outages affecting 72% of the country in August, and an electricity deficit exceeding 2,060 megawatts in early September. Given that over 80% of water pumping systems rely on electricity, this crisis has directly resulted in water shortages for millions.
In this context, the public's appeal to Our Lady of Charity takes on amplified significance. In Santería, the patroness is syncretized with Oshun, the orisha of love and fresh waters, and the divine sister of Yemayá—the orisha of the sea—together symbolizing the totality of water in Yoruba mythology.
In a nation where water often fails to flow from taps and power outages are frequent, prayers to these water-associated female figures resonate with an urgency that transcends the spiritual realm.
The Cuban Catholic Church has openly connected faith with the country's situation. Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez of Santiago de Cuba stated, "The only way to face life is by placing ourselves in God's hands," while the Archdiocese proclaimed, "Faith is what saves Cuba." From the Vatican, Bishop Osmany Massó Cuesta declared, "I have prayed for our diocese and all our people," in front of the patroness's image.
Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre was declared Cuba's patroness by Pope Benedict XV on May 10, 1916, at the request of independence war veterans. Her veneration dates back to around 1612, when tradition holds that three young fishermen discovered her image floating in Nipe Bay.
Over four centuries later, Cubans continue to turn to her for what the regime fails to provide: water, food, and electricity.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuba
What is the significance of Our Lady of Charity for Cubans?
Our Lady of Charity is the patroness of Cuba, symbolizing hope and unity for the Cuban people. Her veneration dates back to 1612, and she represents a spiritual refuge amidst the country's challenges.
How is the current crisis affecting Cuba?
Cuba is undergoing a severe energy crisis, with power outages affecting a large portion of the country and an electricity deficit exacerbating water shortages, impacting millions of citizens.
What role does faith play in Cuba's current situation?
Faith serves as a source of solace and resilience for Cubans facing hardships. The Catholic Church and other religious traditions offer spiritual support, linking religious devotion with national challenges.