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As a massive blackout once again affected the eastern region of Cuba on the night of this Sunday, an image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre traveled through several rural communities in Santiago de Cuba, seeking to bring hope to its residents.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba announced on its social media that the San José Obrero parish led the initiative, bringing the image of the Virgin through the rugged paths of the coastal area of Baconao.
"In the dark, but not in shadows, we celebrate Mother. In the midst of darkness shines the Light of Christ. One single cry rises up to heaven: 'With the Cross and with your Son, save Cuba!'" expressed the archdiocese in the message accompanying the procession.
Despite the lack of electricity, the remoteness of the communities, and the presence of rain, the pilgrimage took place amid songs and prayers.
The image reached even the faithful, transformed into a symbol of faith and unity for Cubans facing a crisis marked by material shortages and limitations on rights.
The event took place on the eve of September 8th, the Day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the national patroness of Cuba, whose devotion transcends borders and unites millions of Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Due to the widespread blackout that affected eastern Cuba this Sunday, the traditional youth pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of El Cobre, dedicated to the national patroness, had to be canceled an hour before it was set to begin.
It takes place from the San Francisco de Asís church in Santiago de Cuba to the Sanctuary of El Cobre on the eve of the Day of the Virgin of Charity.
According to a publication on its official Facebook page by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, the cancellation was due to a failure in the electrical system that left provinces such as Las Tunas, Granma, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo without service, just one hour before the pilgrimage was set to begin.
As part of the jubilee for the Day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Mons. Dionisio García Ibáñez, Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, recalled this Sunday that the Patroness of Cuba has been a sign of unity and comfort in the most tragic moments of the nation's history.
The United States Embassy in Havana congratulated Cubans, both on the island and abroad, on the Day of the Virgin of Charity of Copper, the national patroness.
“Today we congratulate all Cubans, both on the island and abroad, on the Day of Our Lady of Charity of Copper. Cachita,” the diplomatic mission posted on its official account on X, accompanying the message with a brief video.
The overlaid text reads: “We join our hopes to those of the Cubans who venerate him, both inside and outside the island, for a better future for Cuba and its people.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Procession of the Virgin of Charity of Copper in Cuba
How was the procession of the Virgin of Charity of Copper carried out amid the blackout in Cuba?
Despite the massive blackout that affected the eastern region of Cuba, the procession of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre was successfully held, traveling through several rural communities in Santiago de Cuba. The pilgrimage, led by the San José Obrero parish, took place amidst songs and prayers, bringing hope to the faithful in the midst of darkness.
Why was the youth pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of El Cobre suspended?
The youth pilgrimage to the Shrine of El Cobre was suspended due to a massive blackout that left several provinces in eastern Cuba without electricity just before it was set to begin. The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba announced the cancellation via its social media, highlighting the impact of the electrical collapse on the country's religious activities.
What is the significance of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre for Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of Cobre is a symbol of unity, comfort, and hope for Cubans. Her devotion is deep and transcends borders, uniting Cubans both on and off the island. She is regarded as a symbol of Cuban identity and protection in times of crisis and hardship.
How has the international community reacted to the Day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre?
The United States Embassy in Cuba congratulated Cubans on the Day of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, highlighting the hope for a better future for the country. This gesture symbolizes the international recognition of the devotion and cultural significance of the Virgin to the Cuban people.
What message has the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba conveyed regarding the Virgin of Charity of Cobre?
El Arzobispo de Santiago de Cuba, Mons. Dionisio García Ibáñez, highlighted that the Virgin of Charity of Cobre has been a sign of unity and comfort during the most challenging times in Cuba's history. His message emphasizes the importance of faith and unity amid the crisis facing the country.
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