Shrine of Our Lady of Charity

Could a simple inscription on a statue unite a community? Here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, it certainly did. The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity stands as a powerful symbol of faith and resilience for the Cuban exile community. Dedicated in 1973, this shrine holds a special place in the hearts of those who fled Cuba after Castro’s revolution. The shrine’s centerpiece is a replica of the revered statue of Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba. The original statue, discovered in the early 1600s by three young men caught in a storm, bore the inscription “I am the Virgin of Charity.” This event sparked centuries of devotion. The replica, smuggled out of Cuba in 1961, became a beacon of hope for exiles seeking solace and a connection to their homeland. The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, often called “La Ermita,” features a unique conical design mimicking the Virgin’s mantle. Six columns symbolize Cuba’s traditional provinces. Underneath the altar lies a poignant reminder of the journey to freedom: a composite of earth, stone, and sand from all six provinces, mixed with water retrieved from a refugee raft. The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity transcends its role as a place of worship. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cuban people and their unwavering faith, offering comfort and a sense of belonging in their adopted homeland.