The Cuban TikTok user @laryhs_01 shared an emotional video from the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, where she is seen lighting a candle in honor of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre. Alongside the message, “I know I'll soon be doing this from Cuba; if you helped me arrive, you'll help me return,” the young Cuban expressed her longing to visit her homeland, placing her trust in the Virgin, who is the patroness of Cuba.
This gesture reflects the deep devotion many Cubans have towards the Virgin of Charity, considered a figure of protection and hope. Every September 8th, both in Miami and Cuba, thousands of people pay homage to the Virgin in an act of faith and fulfilled promises.
The devotion to "Cachita," as she is affectionately called, is especially notable at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami and the National Sanctuary in Santiago de Cuba, where the faithful come with prayers and thanks.
Recently, a Cuban man returned to the island from the United States to fulfill a promise he had made to the Virgin as a gesture of gratitude: "I promised the Virgin that if I ever made it to the United States, I would climb the church steps on my knees dressed in white on the day I returned. I finally fulfilled my promise," he wrote alongside a video showing him climbing the sanctuary steps on his knees in Santiago.
Gestures like these highlight the profound connection Cubans maintain with their faith and their patroness, who continues to be a symbol of identity and hope.
FAQs on Devotion to the Virgin of Charity of Cobre
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Cuban devotion to the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, which highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of this tradition.
Why is the Virgin of Charity of Cobre important to Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of Cobre is considered a symbol of protection and hope, and she is the patroness of Cuba. Many Cubans believe in her power to grant miracles and offer guidance.
How do Cubans celebrate the Virgin of Charity of Cobre?
Cubans celebrate the Virgin of Charity of Cobre on September 8th with ceremonies, prayers, and offerings both in Cuba and abroad, particularly in Miami. Many visit her shrines to pay homage and fulfill promises.
What is the significance of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami?
The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami serves as a spiritual haven for Cuban exiles and the broader community, providing a place to honor their patroness and maintain cultural and religious traditions.