The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is the patron saint of Cuba. She is also a popular figure among Cubans in Miami, where there are many celebrations in her honor each year.
The main celebration takes place on September 8, which is the feast day of the Virgin of Charity. This year, the celebrations in Miami began on August 30 and will culminate with a pilgrimage and mass on September 8.
On September 2, the image of the Virgin of Charity was taken in procession through the streets of Miami. This was followed by a vigil on September 7, which featured music, prayer, and traditional Cuban food.
On September 8, the faithful will gather at the Ermita de la Caridad, a shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Charity, for a pilgrimage and mass. The mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Miami, Thomas Wenski.
The celebrations for the Virgin of Charity are a way for Cubans in Miami to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. They are also a way to pray for the people of Cuba and for the reunification of the island.
In addition to the main celebration on September 8, there are many other events taking place in Miami in honor of the Virgin of Charity. These include:
- A rosary and novena at the Ermita de la Caridad on September 7
- A concert of Cuban music at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on September 7
- A family festival at the Pérez Art Museum Miami on September 8
The Virgin of Charity is a symbol of hope and faith for many Cubans. She is a reminder of their homeland and their shared culture. The celebrations in Miami are a way for them to keep their traditions alive and to pray for a better future for Cuba.
About the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is a dark-skinned Marian image of the Virgin Mary. She is believed to have appeared to three fishermen in the Bay of Nipe, Cuba, in 1612. The fishermen were in danger of being shipwrecked when they saw a vision of a woman floating on the water. The woman was holding a child in her arms. The fishermen were able to row to safety and they attributed their rescue to the woman in the vision.
The image of the Virgin of Charity was taken to the town of El Cobre, Cuba, where it was enshrined in a church. The church became a popular pilgrimage site and the Virgin of Charity became the patron saint of Cuba.
The Virgin of Charity is also a popular figure among Cubans in Miami. There are many shrines dedicated to her in the city and she is often depicted in art and music. The celebrations for the Virgin of Charity in Miami are a way for Cubans to keep their traditions alive and to pray for a better future for Cuba.
