On Tuesday, December 17th, a multitude of Cuban residents in South Florida will fervently celebrate St. Lazarus Day with a series of special events at El Rincón de San Lázaro in Hialeah, marking its 50th anniversary this year. The planned activities for the day include prayer sessions, religious ceremonies, and a procession that will gather a large number of devotees.
From the early hours, El Rincón de San Lázaro becomes the center of faith and devotion, providing the faithful with the opportunity to leave offerings, flowers, and candles at the altar of the revered image. Father Orlando Molina has outlined the day's events:
2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m: Prayer, blessing, and anointing of the sick.
6:00 p.m: Holy Mass.
8:00 p.m: Holy Procession for St. Lazarus.
10:00 p.m: Raffle of St. Lazarus images.
Procession Route and Highlights
The procession, a highlight of the day, will begin at 8:00 p.m. from the church headquarters located at East 4th Avenue and 2nd Street. The procession route will proceed as follows:
- Departing from 4th Avenue.
- Moving towards 9th Street.
- Continuing to 1st Avenue.
- Concluding at 29th Street.
"We also have mass at 6 p.m. and the holy procession at 8 in the evening," stated Father Orlando Molina, inviting all devotees to participate.
Half a Century of Devotion
This year's event holds special significance as El Rincón de San Lázaro celebrates half a century since its founding, having established itself as a symbol of faith and devotion for the Cuban community in South Florida.
The Rincón de San Lázaro in Hialeah has once again become the epicenter of a festival of devotion that commenced on December 14th and will conclude on December 18th. The event has featured masses, processions, and cultural acts that showcase the deep spiritual connection of the Cuban community with St. Lazarus, known for his intercession on behalf of the sick and needy.
The festivities began on Saturday, December 14th, with a solemn Holy Mass and the traditional blessing of pets, an emotional activity that brought together the faithful and their animals. The celebrations continued on Sunday, December 15th, with more liturgical events, while on Monday, December 16th, the eve of the main day, the church remained open all night, allowing devotees to pay homage and fulfill promises.
St. Lazarus: A Symbol of Hope and Healing
St. Lazarus is one of the most revered figures within the Cuban popular devotion, integrating both the Catholic tradition and Cuban santería. In Catholicism, he is known as the friend of Jesus whom he resurrected, becoming a symbol of hope and miracles. In santería, St. Lazarus is associated with Babalú Ayé, the orisha of diseases, health, and mercy, depicted as a humble old man accompanied by dogs and covered in sores.
Every December 17th, thousands of Cubans, both in Cuba and in exile, pay tribute to this miraculous saint, in a celebration that reflects the faith, tradition, and spiritual unity of a community that has kept its devotion alive through generations.
Understanding St. Lazarus Day Celebrations
What is the significance of St. Lazarus Day for the Cuban community?
St. Lazarus Day is a significant religious occasion for the Cuban community, symbolizing faith, tradition, and the spiritual unity of the people. It celebrates St. Lazarus, known for his miraculous intercession for the sick and needy, integrating both Catholic and santería traditions.
How does El Rincón de San Lázaro in Hialeah commemorate the event?
El Rincón de San Lázaro in Hialeah commemorates the event with a series of activities, including masses, processions, and cultural acts, offering a place for devotees to express their faith through offerings and prayers.