Our Lady of Charity
Our Lady of Charity (Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Cuba. The early 17th-century polychromed clay statue of the Virgin and Child, distinguished by its miraculous discovery floating in the Bay of Nipe, has been venerated since 1612 at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in El Cobre, Cuba.
| Our Lady of Charity | |
| Feast Day | September 8 |
|---|---|
| Country | Cuba |
| Patronage | Cuba |
| Primary Shrine | National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba Province |
| Shrine Coordinates | 20.0475, -75.9503 |
| Origin / Discovery | c. 1612 |
| Proclaimed Patron | May 10, 1916 |
| Canonical Coronation | December 20, 1936 |
| Image Type | Polychromed clay statue |
| Height | approx. 40 cm |
| Attributes | Virgin holding Child Jesus; standing on crescent moon with angels; three figures (two indigenous, one African) at base |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to longstanding hagiographic tradition preserved in parish chronicles and oral accounts, around 1612 three salt gatherers—two indigenous brothers (Rodrigo and Juan de Hoyos) and an African slave (Juan Moreno)—found a small statue floating in the Bay of Nipe after a storm. The dry statue, inscribed "Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad" ("I am the Virgin of Charity"), was brought to Barajagua and later enshrined in El Cobre. This reflects established Catholic piety, though historical verification of the exact circumstances remains limited to early 17th-century records.
Arrival or foundational miracle
The discovery of the statue dry and intact amid stormy seas is regarded as the foundational miracle, interpreted as divine protection and rapidly spreading devotion among diverse communities in colonial Cuba.
Early veneration and first shrine
The image was initially housed in a hermitage in Barajagua before being transferred to El Cobre around 1630, where a chapel was built. Devotion grew among miners, slaves, and locals, with the sanctuary expanding over centuries; the current basilica was constructed in 1926–1927.
Role in national history
Pope Benedict XV proclaimed Our Lady of Charity principal patroness of Cuba on 10 May 1916, at the request of veterans of the War of Independence. Pope Pius XI authorized canonical coronation on 20 December 1936. The shrine was elevated to minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1977. During the 20th century, including the Revolution and exile, she became a symbol of Cuban identity and hope; Popes John Paul II (1998) and Francis (2015) visited and honoured the image.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Polychromed clay statue with baked clay head covered in fine white powder, measuring approximately 40 cm (16 inches) tall. The original 17th-century work has been restored and enriched with gold leaf and jewels.
Iconography and style
The statue depicts the Virgin holding the Child Jesus on her left arm, both with indigenous features blending colonial Spanish and local influences. She stands on a crescent moon supported by angels, with three small figures at the base representing the finders (two indigenous, one African), symbolizing Cuba's racial diversity.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the solemn coronation took place on 20 December 1936. Pope John Paul II placed a new crown during his 1998 visit.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The three figures at the base—representing indigenous and African Cubans—are the most recognisable trait, embodying national unity. The yellow colour associated with her devotion (from sunflowers and offerings) is iconic.
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered vestments of yellow and white, changed for solemnities, covering the body except face and hands. It is displayed in a high camarín behind the altar for veneration.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original image is enshrined in the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, a minor basilica elevated by Pope Paul VI in 1977 and Cuba's premier Marian sanctuary.
Other notable shrines
- Ermita de la Caridad in Miami – major centre for the Cuban diaspora, dedicated 1973
- Replicas in Cuban communities worldwide
Pilgrimage tradition
The principal pilgrimage occurs on September 8, attracting thousands for Masses, processions, and offerings; many walk long distances in thanksgiving or petition.
Papal visits and major events
- 1998 – St John Paul II – coronation with new crown
- 2015 – Pope Francis – prayer before the image
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Charity was proclaimed principal patroness of Cuba by Pope Benedict XV on 10 May 1916. Devotion has been reaffirmed through papal visits and national consecrations.
Canonical coronation
The original statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the ceremony took place on 20 December 1936.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
Hagiographic tradition holds that the statue was found floating dry and intact in the Bay of Nipe around 1612 by three gatherers amid a storm, an event interpreted as miraculous protection (early parish records).
Historically attested favours
- 17th–18th centuries – protections and healings reported among miners and locals (chronicles)
- 19th century – intercessions during independence struggles
Notable modern graces
- Ongoing healings and favours reported at the basilica
- Role as symbol of hope for exiles and during national challenges
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Charity is celebrated on September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is Cuba's most important Marian observance.
National celebrations
September 8 features Masses, processions, and pilgrimages nationwide, with yellow flowers and offerings symbolising devotion; many renew personal vows.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known affectionately as "Cachita," she symbolises Cuban identity across racial and social lines; yellow sunflowers are her emblem, and ex-voto offerings fill the basilica.
Role in crises and reconciliation
Invoked during independence wars, the Revolution, and exile; serves as a unifying figure for Cubans on the island and in diaspora.
Prayer
O Virgin of Charity,
Patroness of Cuba,
you who appeared in the waters
and united your children in love,
intercede for us before your Son.
Grant peace to our land,
hope to the afflicted,
and charity to all.
Amen.
— Traditional Cuban prayer