On Saturday, September 19, Cuban activist Manuel Milanés invites the community to gather in Miami for a Rosary prayer under the theme "For the freedom of political prisoners and a non-communist Cuba." This event merges religious faith with a political stance against the authoritarian regime.
According to the announcement on his Facebook page, the gathering is organized in collaboration with the Plantados organization and the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Brigade 2506 Museum, located at 1821 SW 9th St, in Little Havana.
Manuel Milanés, who leads the Council for the Anti-Communist War (CPGA), emphasized the event's purpose by stating, "Our fight for freedom must go beyond politics and be infused with faith, trusting in God's boundless mercy and kneeling before the Blessed Virgin Mary."
The event's flyer features the image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, Cuba's patron saint, alongside the CPGA's motto: "God, Family, and Property."
Milanés is a prominent figure among Cuban exiles, boasting over 500,000 social media followers. He frequently conducts Rosary prayers on his digital platforms, seeking the Virgin Mary's intercession with the plea: "My Mother, we ask for your intercession to hold this Rosary in a free Cuba."
Uniting Forces in Miami
This Saturday's event extends the practice to Miami's public sphere, with participation from two historically significant exile organizations.
Plantados, officially known as "Plantados until Freedom and Democracy in Cuba," has provided monthly financial support to political prisoners in Cuba for over two decades.
The Brigade 2506 Veterans Association consists of veterans and descendants of Cuban exiles involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion on April 17, 1961.
A Historical Venue
The Brigade 2506 Museum, the venue for the event, was reopened in April 2026, marking the 65th anniversary of the invasion. It features 11,000 square feet of renovated space with over 800 digitized photos.
This prayer meeting takes place against a backdrop of increasing repression in Cuba. According to Prisoners Defenders, as reported by Infobae, Cuba reached a historic high of 1,339 political prisoners by the end of August 2026. This includes 155 women, a number that has steadily risen throughout the year.
Between September 2025 and August 2026, 281 new political prisoners were documented, with 338 current inmates serving sentences directly related to the protests on July 11, 2021.
The Cuban regime, which has labeled Milanés a "terrorist," shows no sign of reducing its oppressive measures.
"Let us unite in prayer for our Homeland's freedom," Milanés urges in his call to action for this Saturday in Little Havana.
Understanding the Call for a Free Cuba
Who is organizing the Rosary prayer event in Miami?
The event is organized by Cuban activist Manuel Milanés in collaboration with the Plantados organization and the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association.
What is the significance of the Brigade 2506 Museum?
The Brigade 2506 Museum commemorates the Bay of Pigs invasion and serves as a historical venue for Cuban exiles. It was reopened with expanded facilities in 2026 for the invasion's 65th anniversary.