Three Cuban bishops gathered this Saturday to spend time in prayer for the people and the Church of Cuba before the image of Our Lady of Charity, located in the Vatican Gardens. Mons. Emilio Aranguren Echeverría, Mons. Arturo González Amador, and Mons. Juan de Dios Hernández led the prayers at the feet of Cuba's Patroness, a symbol of hope for millions of Cubans, reported the Facebook page of the Diocese of Santa Clara.
The revered image is a bronze replica of the one that stood until 1961 on the shores of Nipe Bay, the site where the Virgin of Charity is believed to have been found. In 2014, this replica was installed in the Vatican Gardens, specifically on Pius XI Avenue near the Tower of St. John, in a solemn ceremony attended by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba.
Since then, this location has become a pilgrimage site for many devotees, not only Cubans but also from other countries, as it houses monuments and images of the Virgin, patroness of various nations.
Bishops' Meeting with Pope Francis
Prior to the prayer gathering, the Cuban bishops met with His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome, Italy. During the meeting, which lasted over half an hour, the Pope recalled the approaching ninth anniversary of his visit to Cuba, which took place from September 19 to 22, 2015, coinciding with the Year of Mercy.
He also mentioned that the tenth anniversary will coincide with the Jubilee Year in 2025, according to the source cited. As is customary, His Holiness requested prayers for him and, through the prelates, sent his greetings to the Cuban people.