The cross on the main tower of the National Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre features a new lighting as part of the final phase of the restoration works of the iconic temple in Santiago de Cuba.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba reported this Thursday on Facebook that the cross has been illuminated since Wednesday.
"As part of the completion of the restoration work of the Sanctuary of El Cobre, the cross on the main tower of the Basilica has been illuminated since yesterday," stated the religious institution.
The Archdiocese added that "the Major House of the Mother of Charity is focused on the details that help us bring more life to the signs."
The released images show the illuminated cross in the darkness atop the dome of the sanctuary, as well as work carried out on the upper part of the tower.
The new lighting is part of a recovery process that began after the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
The cyclone hit Santiago de Cuba hard, causing damage to sculptures, stained glass, and other elements of the Sanctuary of El Cobre.
The first images after the hurricane showed significant damage to the temple.
One of the most symbolic damages was the fall of one of the marble angels located at the entrance of the sanctuary.
The sculpture suffered significant damage and underwent a restoration process by the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana.
In February, the Archdiocese announced the completion of the work to restore the angel, carried out with the participation of Cuban sculptor José Duverger Aliaga.
The recovery has also included the exterior lighting. In March, the steps of the Sanctuary were illuminated again at night after the repair of walls, lamps, and damaged fixtures.
At that moment, it was also reported that the religious complex was expanding the use of inverters and solar panels to maintain some services in light of the ongoing electrical disruptions in the country.
The lighting of the cross also occurs on days that are especially significant for the devotees of the Virgin of Charity of Copper.
Since August 30, Cuban Catholics have been participating in the novena in preparation for the celebration of the Patroness of Cuba, which will conclude on September 8.
The Sanctuary of El Cobre will be one of the main meeting points during these days, featuring Masses, prayers, and special celebrations for the pilgrims.
The prayer shared for this year includes petitions for families, the sick, those facing hardships, and also for those who govern Cuba.
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