Our Lady of Regla

What is the devotion to Our Lady of Regla?

Devotion to Our Lady of Regla, also known as the Virgin of Regla, is a deeply-rooted practice among the Afro-Cuban community, specifically in the island of Cuba. This devotion is rooted in the belief that the Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Regla, is a powerful intercessor who can bring protection and guidance to those who call upon her.

The origins of the devotion can be traced back to the 17th century, when the island of Cuba was a major center of slave trade. The Afro-Cuban slaves, who were brought from different parts of Africa, brought with them their own religious traditions and beliefs. They began to syncretize their traditional deities with Catholic saints, and one of the most popular syncretism was the identification of the Virgin Mary with the African goddess Yemaja, the goddess of fertility and motherhood.

Our Lady of Regla is represented as a black Madonna and she is considered the protector and guide of sailors, Afro-Cuban community, and the people from the port city of Regla, where her sanctuary is located. This Sanctuary is considered a place of pilgrimage and devotion, where people come to seek the Virgin’s protection and guidance, especially before undertaking a journey by sea.

The devotion to Our Lady of Regla is often marked by special liturgical celebrations, such as the Feast of Our Lady of Regla, which is celebrated every September 8th. This feast is an opportunity for the Afro-Cuban community to come together and give thanks for the blessings that the Virgin Mary brings to their lives, such as protection and guidance.

In addition to liturgical celebrations, there are also many rituals and ceremonies associated with Our Lady of Regla that are performed by the Afro-Cuban community. These rituals are performed to ask for the Virgin’s protection and guidance, and to show gratitude for her intercession. Some of these rituals include processions, drumming and dancing, offerings, and candlelight vigils.

Many Afro-Cuban believers of Our lady of Regla, consider her as a powerful spiritual force, who can help to guide them through difficult times and bring them protection and guidance in their lives. They also consider her as a symbol of cultural identity, resistance and survival for the Afro-Cuban community during the years of slavery and marginalization.

Devotion to Our Lady of Regla is not limited to Afro-Cuban community, but also embraced by the wider Cuban society, it has also been spreading to other countries with Afro-Cuban communities, such as the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Overall, devotion to Our Lady of Regla is a significant aspect of Afro-Cuban spirituality that brings people together in faith and devotion to the mother of Jesus Christ. Through rituals, liturgical celebrations, pilgrimage, and personal reflection, Afro-Cuban believers are able to deepen their devotion and seek the blessings of protection and guidance that the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Regla, can bring.

 

When is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Regla

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Regla, also known as Our Lady of Caridad del Cobre, is celebrated on September 8th every year. This date marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a young slave girl in the 18th century, in the town of Regla, Cuba.

Our Lady of Regla is the patroness of Cuba and the Caribbean region, and is invoked for her powerful intercession and protection. According to the tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young slave girl and asked her to build a temple in her honor. The girl complied, and since then the devotion to Our Lady of Regla has grown, and the temple was built in her honor.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Regla is celebrated with mass, processions, and the recitation of the Rosary. Many people will also light candles and offer prayers to Our Lady of Regla. It is a time for Catholics to come together and reflect on the messages of the Virgin Mary and to ask for her intercession in their own lives.

This Feast Day is also an opportunity for Catholics to honor the Virgin Mary, who is the patroness of Cuba, and to seek her protection and guidance. The messages of Our Lady of Regla encourages the faithful to lead a life of prayer and devotion and to trust in her powerful intercession.

Whether you’re able to attend mass on this day or not, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Regla is an opportunity to honor the Virgin Mary and to reflect on her role in your life. It is a reminder of her constant presence and her love for all her children.

 

Prayer for Protection

Our Lady of Regla,
Mother of God and protector of your children,
We turn to you in our time of need,
And beg for your intercession.
Through the power of your love and compassion,
Grant us protection and safety.
May your motherly love surround us and keep us safe.
We entrust ourselves to you and ask for your guidance and protection.
May your intercession bring blessings and peace to our lives.
We love you and thank you for your continued presence in our lives.
Amen.

Prayer for Healing

Our Lady of Regla,
Mother of God and healer of your children,
We turn to you in our time of need,
And beg for your intercession.
Through the power of your love and compassion,
Grant us healing and renewed strength.
May your motherly love surround us and bring us comfort.
We entrust ourselves to you and ask for your guidance and protection.
May your intercession bring blessings and peace to our lives.
We love you and thank you for your continued presence in our lives.
Amen.

Prayer for Guidance

Our Lady of Regla,
Mother of God and guide of your children,
We turn to you in our time of need,
And beg for your intercession.
Through the power of your love and compassion,
Grant us guidance and wisdom.
May your motherly love surround us and bring us direction.
We entrust ourselves to you and ask for your guidance and protection.
May your intercession bring blessings and peace to our lives.
We love you and thank you for your continued presence in our lives.
Amen.

Remember that these are just a few examples of prayers that can be offered up to Our Lady of Regla. You can always adapt the prayers or create your own based on your own needs and intentions. Mary is always ready to listen and help her children.