This year, the mass in honor of Our Lady of Charity was held for the first time outside the premises of the Ermita and took place on Saturday, September 7th at 8:00 p.m. in Milander Park in Hialeah, located at 4700 Palm Ave. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, who led the event before hundreds of faithful attendees.
The gates opened at 5:00 p.m. to ensure an organized entry, and the religious event commenced at 8:00 p.m. Many of the attendees, predominantly Cuban exiles, came with fervor to pray for health, economic well-being, family unity, and the long-desired freedom for Cuba.
Father Julio Fernández Travieso spoke about the deep nostalgia that many Cubans feel during the celebration of Our Lady of Charity. "These tears are of nostalgia, nostalgia that arises for the homeland that has been stolen from us, when I cannot step on and embrace the land where I was born. When the physical homeland we love disappears, hearts become our homeland, hearts become our flag, hearts become a white rose for the sincere friend who gives me their honest hand, and also, though it may be hard, for the cruel one who tears out the heart with which I live," he said.
"Here we are, our lady and mother, little virgin of the copper, with the homeland in our hearts and seeking hope. We Cubans no longer want a homeland that is agonizing, we do not want a homeland in darkness, we do not want a sad homeland anymore; we want homeland and dreams, homeland and joy, homeland and life," he added, drawing applause from the attendees.
As every year, Cubans have paid tribute to their Patron Saint in a series of religious events that began more than a week ago and conclude on September 8th. The festivities are expected to close this Sunday with a grand celebration at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, located at 3609 S Miami Ave.
From 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., thousands of Cubans and devotees of the Virgen Mambisa will gather to honor their "Queen and Mother." The love of Cubans living in the United States for Our Lady of Charity is unwavering. For many, the Virgin is not just a religious figure but also a symbol of identity and cultural roots.
Despite the distance and years away from their homeland, Cuban emigrants keep their devotion to the Virgen Mambisa alive, finding solace and hope in her. Each year, the celebrations in her honor become a space for unity and reaffirmation of their roots, where Cubans revive their faith and place their requests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mass for Our Lady of Charity in Hialeah
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers regarding the recent mass held in Hialeah for Our Lady of Charity.
Who officiated the mass in Hialeah for Our Lady of Charity?
The mass was officiated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami.
Where was the mass for Our Lady of Charity held this year?
This year, the mass was held at Milander Park in Hialeah, located at 4700 Palm Ave.
Why do Cuban exiles attend the mass for Our Lady of Charity?
Cuban exiles attend to pray for health, economic well-being, family unity, and the long-desired freedom for Cuba. The Virgin also symbolizes their identity and cultural roots.
What is the significance of the Virgen Mambisa to Cuban emigrants?
For Cuban emigrants, the Virgen Mambisa is not just a religious figure but also a symbol of identity and cultural roots. She represents solace and hope for those far from their homeland.