Cubans in Miami begin celebrations for Our Lady

Cuban residents in Miami began their tributes to Our Lady of Charity this Saturday, whose feast day is celebrated on September 8. This weekend, residents witnessed a procession of the image of the Virgin from Hermitage of Caridad (Sanctuary of the Mother of God) through various points in the county.

The annual procession, featuring a replica of the original image, made ten stops in the city that is home to the largest community of Cuban exiles worldwide, according to Martí Noticias. The Shrine’s call for this occasion is “Unite with the People of Cuba,” recognizing the hardships facing the Cuban people.

The Virgin was carried in a glass case atop a white truck adorned with roses, flanked by both Cuban and American flags. At each stop, there were songs in her honor, recalling how her image has been part of significant historical moments and daily life in Cuba for decades, strengthening national pride and faith in the Cuban community.

Over the next week, National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity invites the public to participate in numerous events organized in honor of Cuba’s patron saint.