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Almost a month after the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre— the spiritual home of the Patroness of all Cubans— is beginning to regain some of its splendor thanks to the quiet efforts of restorers and workers of the national heritage.
The images coming from the Office of the Historian of Havana, shared on by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, depict a process that is both moving and encouraging: one of the marble angels that guarded the rear entrance of the temple and was destroyed by the cyclone's fury, has begun to be reborn piece by piece.
When Melissa struck the province of Santiago de Cuba hard last October, it left behind a trail of destruction in homes, roads, and also in places of deep spiritual significance.
One of the most impactful damages was the fall of this angel, a symbol of protection and faith, which had watched over the Sanctuary from its stone pedestal for decades.
Today, the images released show specialists carefully reconstructing the fractured marble, meticulously cleaning each fragment and restoring the shape of the sculpture that, for many believers, represents the resilience of the Cuban people and their unwavering faith.
"We do not stop in the restoration of the heritage assets of the house of the Mother of all Cubans," they state from the Office of the Historian, while presenting the progress in the recovery efforts.
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity, located on the hill of the same name about 18 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba, sustained minor structural damage along with impacts to several sculptures and stained glass, according to initial reports.
However, its restoration has been a priority for cultural and religious authorities, aware of the value this place holds in the heart of the country.
The return of the angel to the Sanctuary is more than just a material restoration: it is an image of hope amidst the crisis.
In times when faith and Cuban identity seem to be tested by scarcity and adversity, seeing the angel rise again over the gardens of El Cobre serves as a powerful reminder that Cuba, like its people, always finds a way to stand tall.
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