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The Cuban singer Haila María Mompié commemorated San Lázaro this December 17, participating in one of the most significant religious celebrations for Cubans both on and off the Island.
With a message filled with faith and symbolism, the artist shared a prayer in which she asked not only for herself but also for Cuba and the most affected sectors of the country.
In her message shared on Facebook, she appealed to the figure of Saint Lazarus as "father of pain and hope," and dedicated special words to the Cuban people "who believe, who resist, who do not give up."
"For the sick, the elderly, the forgotten, the prisoners, for the mothers who pray in silence and the children who dream of a better tomorrow," it expressed in the text.
The interpreter asked Saint Lazarus to place "his holy hand over the Island," to heal its wounds and restore faith, unity, and hope to the people.
"May the light of the Cuban not be extinguished, nor his noble spirit be broken. Miraculous San Lázaro, walk with us, do not let us go, and always lead us by the hand to where justice, health, and love reside," he concluded.
Haila's prayer to San Lázaro is part of a devotion she has publicly expressed on other occasions.
In 2023, the singer also dedicated a message on social media, where she recalled that she has known him "for as long as she can remember" and that she has admired him since she was a child.
On that occasion, in addition to expressing gratitude for the favors received, she requested special protection for her son Haned Mota, the son of her marriage to musician Aned Mota, reaffirming the central role that this devotion holds in her personal and family life.
Thousands of Cubans arrived on Tuesday night at the National Sanctuary of San Lázaro, in the Havana town of Santiago de Las Vegas, municipality of Boyeros, to make requests and fulfill promises before the saint, whose day is celebrated on December 17.
As every year, the traditional pilgrimage to Rincón, held on December 16th - the eve of Saint Lazarus - drew devotees from across the island who came with faith, hope, and gratitude.
The pilgrimage to El Rincón is not just a religious event; it is a collective expression of popular faith, a promise fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled, and a desperate plea in times of crisis.
Images shared on social media by the National Sanctuary showed a devoted crowd, many dressed in purple and holding lit candles and images of the saint as a sign of veneration and gratitude.
Throughout the day on December 16 and well into the early hours of December 17, the parishioners marched in silence, singing hymns or deep in prayer, waiting to take part in the masses and rituals that mark the pinnacle of this celebration.
Every year, thousands of people come to him to seek health, but also peace, happiness, and a prosperous year that begins 14 days later.
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