Mary
Our Lady of Charity
What is the devotion to Our Lady of Charity
The devotion to Our Lady of Charity, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, is a Marian devotion that centers around a statue of the Virgin Mary located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The statue, which is made of bronze and stands about 3 feet tall, depicts Mary holding the baby Jesus and is said to be miraculous. The devotion has its roots in the 17th century and has been closely linked to the history of Cuba and its people.
The devotion to Our Lady of Charity began in 1612, when three young farmers, Rodrigo de Hoyos, Juan Moreno and Juan Ramos, discovered a small statue of Mary floating in the Bay of Nipe. They took the statue to the village of El Cobre, where they placed it in a small chapel and people began to pray to Our Lady of Charity for miracles and intercession. Over time, the devotion to Our Lady of Charity spread to other parts of Cuba and eventually to other countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The devotion to Our Lady of Charity is deeply rooted in the culture and history of Cuba. It is the patron saint of Cuba, and the statue is seen as a symbol of hope and protection for the island and its people. The people of El Cobre, who were mostly Afro-Cubans, saw the statue as a reminder of the presence of God in their lives and it 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 Charity of El Cobre, which is now considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Cuba. The Basilica 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 Charity is celebrated on September 8th, which is the anniversary of the day when the statue was found in the bay, 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.
The devotion to Our Lady of Charity is also closely tied to the Afro-Caribbean religious practices and customs of Cuba, such as Santeria. Many Afro-Cubans see Our Lady of Charity as a manifestation of the goddess Ochun, 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 Charity.
Throughout its history, the devotion to Our Lady of Charity 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 Charity, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, is a Marian devotion that centers around a statue of the Virgin Mary located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The devotion has its roots in the 17th century and has been closely linked to the history of Cuba and its people. The statue is the patron saint of Cuba and is seen as a symbol of hope for many.
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Feast of Our Lady of Charity
The feast day of Our Lady of Charity is celebrated on September 8th by the Catholic Church. Our Lady of Charity is a devotion to the Virgin Mary that originated in Cuba in the early 17th century. The devotion is based on the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three young boys who were tending to their cattle near the coast of Cuba.
Here are a few ways that Catholics may celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Charity:
Mass and Prayer: Many Catholics will attend Mass on September 8th, and may also pray the Rosary and other devotions, such as the Litany of Loreto, in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Procession and Rosary: Some local communities may organize a procession to carry a statue of Our Lady of Charity and recite the Rosary in honor of the feast day.
Visiting a Shrine or Church: Some Catholics may choose to visit a shrine or church dedicated to Our Lady of Charity, such as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, USA.
Devotional Activities: Some Catholics may choose to participate in devotional activities such as fasting, almsgiving, or other acts of charity in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Adoration and Confession: Many parishes may offer opportunities for adoration of the blessed sacrament, confession and other spiritual activities related to the feast day.
Special Prayers: Catholics may also recite specific prayers such as the prayer to Our Lady of Charity and the hymn to Our Lady of Charity during the feast day.
It’s worth noting that the celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of Charity may vary depending on the location and the traditions of the local Catholic community. Some countries may have a special celebration for the feast day, such as parades, music, and other cultural activities.