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The Cuban community in Madrid celebrated this weekend the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, patroness of Cuba, with a series of religious and charitable activities that gathered dozens of worshippers.
On the eighth day of a Novena of Charity, attendees called their relatives on the island to join the activity.
"Today, Cubans in Madrid crossed the Holy Door of the Cathedral. We did so with our hearts full of people who are far away, and with our backpacks loaded with intentions. Thank you, Cuban pilgrims in Madrid. Charity continues to unite us," posted seminarian Bladimir Navarro Lorenzo on Facebook.
The commemoration included the passage of the Cuban pilgrims through the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Madrid, a gesture rich in religious symbolism that represented for many a spiritual bridge to their homeland.
On Sunday, September 7, the parish of San Bartolomé in Alcalá de Henares will also host a mass in honor of the Virgin Mambisa, while on Monday, the 8th, the celebrations will move to the parish of San Germán in the Spanish capital.
Both days will feature songs, prayers, video calls with family on the island, and expressions of camaraderie among the attendees.
The NGO Hombre Nuevo Tierra Nueva was present at the events, where it conducted a donation drive to support those in need.
The contributions included personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as powdered milk, coffee, and cookies, as well as medicines—especially antibiotics, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, and antiparasitics—intended to support the elderly and children, they reported on their social media.
"Today, Cubans in Madrid are gathering to meet our Mother. Emotions, prayers, songs, hugs, video calls to Cuba to bridge the distance... Charity continues to bind us together," expressed one of the participants.
The celebrations in Madrid are in addition to those held each year by Cubans in various cities around the world, keeping alive the devotion to La Caridad del Cobre, a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural resilience of the nation.
Frequently asked questions about the celebration of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre by Cubans in Madrid
How did Cubans in Madrid celebrate the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre?
The Cuban community in Madrid celebrated Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre with religious and solidarity activities, including a novena, passing through the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Madrid, and masses in honor of the Virgin. The events symbolized a spiritual bridge with Cuba, bringing together dozens of faithful in prayer and solidarity.
What type of donations were collected during the celebrations in Madrid?
During the celebrations, the NGO Hombre Nuevo Tierra Nueva organized a fundraising campaign that included personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as powdered milk, coffee, and cookies, and medicines such as antibiotics, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, and antiparasitics. These contributions were intended to support those in need, particularly the elderly and children.
What is the symbolism of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre for Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is more than a religious figure; it represents a symbol of identity, hope, and freedom for the Cuban people. Historically, it has been an emblem of cultural and spiritual resistance, uniting both Catholics and followers of Afro-Cuban religions. Its devotion extends both within the island and in exile, serving as a symbol of unity among Cubans.
How do the celebrations in Madrid compare to those in other cities around the world?
The celebrations in Madrid are part of a global tradition where Cubans, both inside and outside the island, honor the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre. In cities like Miami, the festivities include prayers for the freedom of Cuba, highlighting the devotion and cultural resilience in the face of the dictatorship on the island. These events reflect how Cuban faith transcends borders.
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