In a compelling tale of hope and faith, a Cuban family is celebrating the arrival of their daughter after a long six-year wait. Their deep gratitude is directed towards Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba, whom they believe played a pivotal role in this joyous event.
Joel Ricardo Formozo Rizo, a Cuban resident, shared a video detailing the family's journey. After enduring years of difficulty in conceiving, the couple made a pilgrimage in 2022 to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in El Cobre. There, the mother received a special blessing from a priest, placing her trust entirely in the Virgin's intercession.
"We visited this sanctuary to ask Our Lady of Charity to bless us with a child. After six years of trying, I finally became pregnant," the mother recounted. Their daughter, named María José in honor of the priest who blessed them, was born in December 2024, two years after their visit.
This family's story is a testament to the profound devotion many Cubans have for their patroness, especially in times of need. Our Lady of Charity, affectionately known as "Cachita," is a cherished symbol deeply embedded in Cuban identity. Her reverence extends beyond Catholicism, as she is also syncretized with Ochún, the goddess of love and fresh waters in Afro-Cuban religions.
The origin of her veneration dates back to the early 17th century. Tradition tells of a miraculous event in 1612 or 1613, when three slaves—Juan Moreno, a 10-year-old black boy, and the indigenous brothers Juan and Rodrigo de Hoyos—discovered a statue of the Virgin floating in Nipe Bay. The statue bore the inscription, "I am the Virgin of Charity," sparking a devotion that has endured for centuries.
Every year, notably on September 8, thousands of pilgrims from both Cuba and abroad flock to the sanctuary to pay homage, express gratitude for granted favors, and fulfill promises. The celebrations are vibrant, featuring religious masses, processions, and cultural expressions such as lively conga music, blending traditional Cuban rhythms with religious devotion as worshippers make their way to the sanctuary.
Understanding the Cuban Devotion to Our Lady of Charity
What miracle is attributed to Our Lady of Charity in this story?
The miracle attributed to Our Lady of Charity in this story is the birth of a daughter to a Cuban family after six years of struggling to conceive.
How do Cubans celebrate their devotion to Our Lady of Charity?
Cubans celebrate their devotion to Our Lady of Charity with annual pilgrimages to her sanctuary, religious masses, processions, and cultural festivities such as conga dances, especially on September 8.
Who discovered the statue of Our Lady of Charity according to tradition?
According to tradition, the statue of Our Lady of Charity was discovered by three slaves: Juan Moreno, a 10-year-old black boy, and the indigenous brothers Juan and Rodrigo de Hoyos, in the early 17th century.