The Cuban flag was raised this Tuesday at the National Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre while the notes of the National Anthem played, in a ceremony that united patriotic and religious symbols on the day dedicated to the Patroness of Cuba.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba shared images and videos from the event it called "Main House of the Virgin of Charity" in El Cobre.
«The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is part of our national identity, Mambisa Virgin, pilgrim, comforter, Mother», stated the religious institution.
The ceremony included a prayer specifically dedicated to the Cubans living outside the island and to the unity of families.
«We pray for Cubans who are far from their homeland and for the unity of the Family. May hope never fade», added the Archdiocese.
The lifting will take place on September 8th, a day of special significance for millions of Cubans both inside and outside the country, as it marks the celebration of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, proclaimed Patroness of Cuba in 1916 by Pope Benedict XV.
Since the eve, groups of pilgrims have begun to arrive at the Sanctuary, including faithful from small communities and mission houses who walked through the streets of the town until they reached the temple.
The celebrations this year are taking place despite the transportation difficulties and the complex economic and energy situation that Cuba is experiencing.
The Archdiocese itself had acknowledged these limitations when calling on the faithful, but it assured that it would enhance the reception for those who managed to arrive at El Cobre.
The Sanctuary remains open continuously from Monday afternoon until midnight on Tuesday.
The program for this September 8th began with a midnight mass presided over by the archbishop and includes another celebration at 9:30 a.m.
A parish mass is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. tonight, followed by a concert of Marian music featuring the choirs Orfeón Santiago and Vox Lucis.
In Santiago de Cuba, the traditional procession with the image of the Virgin is also scheduled for 5:00 p.m., starting from the Archdiocese to the Cathedral, under the slogan "Charity Unites Us."
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