Have you noticed the tranquil aura surrounding this sacred space? Right here stands the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre. It is a beacon of faith and history on La Gomera. While this Ermita shares its name with the Patroness of Cuba, its story is unique.
The original story goes back to the early 17th century. A statue of the Virgin Mary appeared floating in the Bay of Nipe. After three days of storms, three peasants found it. Tradition remembers them as “Los Tres Juanes.” The image was on a small board. It bore the inscription: “I am the Virgin of Charity.”
Initially, they took her to Barajagua. Some years later, it was moved to El Cobre. But the image kept disappearing. It always returned to its original place. A young woman named Apolonia claimed to have seen the image on El Cobre hill. After a period of prayer, villagers saw a glow on the hill. They built a small hermitage there. They moved the image there. It remains there today in the National Shrine of El Cobre.
The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre grew. Cuban revolutionary leader Carlos Manuel de Céspedes presented the Cuban banner to the image. His soldiers wore similar medals. Cuban General Calixto García bowed before the image during a Holy Mass. It honored Mambises resistance. Our Lady of Charity became “La Virgen Mambisa” or the Virgin for Cuban Independence.
In 1916, Pope Benedict XV declared her Patroness of Cuba. This was in response to a request from veterans of the War of Independence. In 1998, Pope John Paul II crowned the image of the Virgin during his visit to Cuba. People have venerated her under the title Nuestra Señora de la Caridad from the beginning. Pilgrims visit her constantly. They pray for her protection in times of danger and need.
Many people associate the color yellow with the Virgin of Charity. Her shrines often feature yellow flowers. The Cuban statue measures about 16 inches tall. It has a head made of baked clay. The clay is covered with a polished coat of fine white powder. Her feet rest on a brilliant moon. Angels spread their golden wings on a silver cloud. The Child Jesus raises his right hand in blessing. He holds a golden globe in his left hand.
A popular image includes a banner above her head. It bears the Latin phrase “Mater Caritatis Fluctibus Maris Ambulavit.” This translates to: “Mother of Charity who walked on the road of stormy seas.” Originally, the robes on the image were white. Newer robes are embroidered with gold and silver. They include the national shield of Cuba. Among Cuban devotees, they affectionately call the image La Cachita.
Although this Ermita is not in Cuba, it carries the same spirit. It serves as a reminder of faith, hope, and the enduring power of devotion. It links this island to a story that resonates across oceans. It connects it to the hearts of people who seek solace and protection. Take a moment to reflect on the journey of faith. Consider the stories that bind communities together.