The Head of Mission at the United States Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba and left a special offering to the Virgin.
Hammer shared a video on his Instagram account showing him entering the Basilica, where he presented a bouquet of sunflowers to the Virgin, an experience he described as "beautiful and touching."
"Cachita, as the Cubans call her, is very beloved and revered here on the Island as well as abroad," she stated.
The diplomat saw objects that reflect the strong ties between his country and Cuba, such as the Nobel Prize in Literature medal of writer Ernest Hemingway and other items left by Major League Baseball players.
“I hope that the patroness of Cuba grants so many Cubans their wishes for a better and free future,” they wished.
Hammer met with Monsignor Dionisio García Ibáñez, and they discussed the challenging economic situation in the East and the support that the Church provides to the community.
On his first visit to Santiago de Cuba as a representative of the United States, he also visited the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) in Altamira, where he held a meeting with the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer.
"for almost five hours, we discussed various topics regarding the current reality of our homeland and the importance of solidarity from all of the West with the Cuban people who are fighting for their rights and for democracy," Ferrer recounted on his social media.
The official listened to their testimonies and those of the evangelical pastor Lorenzo Rosales, who was also recently released. Both shared their experiences during the years they were imprisoned for their political ideals.
"We appreciate the significant solidarity of the current U.S. government; from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the concern for the political prisoners who continue to endure terrible conditions in prisons throughout our country," emphasized Ferrer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visit of the U.S. Chief of Mission to Cuba
Why did the U.S. Head of Mission in Cuba visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre?
The Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Mike Hammer, visited the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre to leave a special offering to the Virgin, known as Cachita, who is highly venerated both in Cuba and abroad. This gesture symbolizes a desire for connection with the Cuban people and recognition of their cultural and religious traditions.
What does the offering of sunflowers left by Mike Hammer symbolize?
The bouquet of sunflowers presented by Mike Hammer to the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre symbolizes devotion and gratitude. Sunflowers are an important symbol in Cuban culture, and this offering reinforces the message of respect and connection with the island's popular beliefs.
What topics did Mike Hammer discuss with José Daniel Ferrer during his visit to Santiago de Cuba?
During his visit, Mike Hammer discussed with opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer about the political and social reality of Cuba, as well as the importance of international solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for rights and democracy. The conditions of political prisoners in the country were also addressed.
What role does the United States Embassy play in supporting human rights in Cuba?
The United States Embassy in Cuba is firmly committed to promoting human rights on the island. Under the leadership of Mike Hammer, the embassy has maintained an open dialogue with civil society and has supported dissidents and human rights defenders, emphasizing its critical stance towards the Cuban regime.
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