Our Lady of Carida

What is the devotion to Our Lady of Carida

The devotion to Our Lady of Caridad, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, is a Marian devotion that centers around a statue of the Virgin Mary located in El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, in Cuba. The statue depicts Mary holding the baby Jesus and is said to be miraculous. The devotion has its roots in the 17th century, and it has been closely linked to the history of Cuba and its people.

The devotion to Our Lady of Caridad began when three indigenous farmers discovered a wooden statue of Mary in the river, while they were fishing. The statue was floating in the water and it was taken as a sign of a miracle, they took it to their village, El Cobre, where they placed it in a small chapel. The statue soon gained a reputation for healing the sick, and many people began to make pilgrimage to the chapel to pray to Our Lady of Caridad and to seek her intercession.

The devotion to Our Lady of Caridad is deeply rooted in the culture and history of Cuba. It is said to be the protectress of the island and of the people. The people of El Cobre, who were mostly Afro-Cubans, saw the statue as a symbol of hope and as a reminder of the presence of God in their lives. The devotion to Our Lady of Caridad has been passed down from generation to generation and has become an important part of the spiritual and cultural identity of the people of Cuba.

In the 19th century, the statue was moved to a new and larger church, The Basilica of Our Lady of Caridad del Cobre, and the devotion continued to grow. The Basilica is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Cuba, and it is visited by thousands of people each year. The Basilica of Our Lady of Caridad is also a National Monument of Cuba, and its architecture and decor, both inside and outside, make it an outstanding example of a national cultural heritage.

The Feast of Our Lady of Caridad is celebrated on September 8th, which is the anniversary of the day when the statue was found in the river, is celebrated as a major feast day in Cuba. This feast day is also considered as a National holiday in Cuba. People from all over the island, as well as from other countries, come to El Cobre to celebrate the feast day and to participate in the many religious ceremonies that take place in the Basilica.

Devotion to Our Lady of Caridad is also closely tied to the Afro-Caribbean religious practices and customs of Cuba, such as Santeria. Many Afro-Cubans see Our Lady of Caridad as a manifestation of the goddess Yemaya, who is one of the most important deities in Santeria. This has led to the integration of Catholic and Afro-Caribbean religious practices in the devotion to Our Lady of Caridad.

Throughout its history, the devotion to Our Lady of Caridad has played an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of Cuba. It has been a source of hope and inspiration for many and continues to be a powerful force for unity and peace in a country that has faced many challenges. In addition, the statue has been recognized by the Catholic Church as miraculous, further solidifying the devotion and faith of the devotees.

In summary, the devotion to Our Lady of Caridad, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, is a Marian devotion that centers around a statue of the Virgin Mary located in El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, in Cuba. It began when three indigenous farmers discovered a wooden statue of Mary in the river, which they took as a sign of a miracle