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Cuba celebrates feast of patroness Our Lady of Charity
Cuban faithful celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the nation's patroness, on September 8. The religious festivities took place across the island, with significant ceremonies held at the National Shrine in El Cobre and in Havana.
In El Cobre, the ceremony included the hoisting of the Cuban flag and the singing of the national anthem. The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba noted that the event serves as a symbol of national identity. Despite ongoing economic and energy crises and transportation challenges, pilgrims traveled to the sanctuary for midnight and morning masses.
In Havana, Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez led a procession through Centro Habana. Devotees, many wearing yellow to honor the Virgin, participated in prayers and songs. The celebrations reflect a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the figure known affectionately as ‘Cachita,’ whose history is tied to Cuban identity and independence struggles.
Entities
Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba · Cuba · Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez · National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity · Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre · Pope Benedict XV
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The religious ceremonies included prayers for Cuban citizens living abroad and for family unity. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pope Benedict XV declared Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre as Cuba's Patroness in 1916. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The image of the Virgin was found in 1612 in the waters of Nipe Bay. www.escambray.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Virgin of Charity has left her sanctuary on only five recorded occasions. www.tvsantiago.icrt.cu