Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre

Biography

Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, also known as Cachita, is a revered religious figure in the Catholic tradition. The statue of Our Lady of Charity is believed to have a miraculous origin and holds immense significance to the Cuban community. Standing at a height of about 16 inches, the statue features a unique design and intricate details. The head of the statue is made of baked clay and is covered with a polished coat of fine white powder, possibly rice paste. The statue was originally painted, but until recently, it had been covered with several layers of paint. Our Lady of Charity stands on a moon with silver clouds at either end, and beneath it, there are three golden-winged cherubs. She cradles the Christ Child in her left arm and holds a gold crucifix in her right hand. The Christ Child raises one hand in blessing and holds a golden globe in the other. The original robes of the statue were white, but over time, it has been covered by a heavy ornate cloak with gold and silver embroidery, including the Cuban national shield. This ornate cloak not only hides the body of the statue but also gives it a unique triangular shape. The story of Our Lady of Charity dates back to around 1608 when two brothers, Rodrigo and Juan de Hoyos, along with a ten-year-old slave boy named Juan Moreno, set out from Santiago del Prado (modern-day El Cobre) in Cuba in search of salt. They intended to preserve meat for the copper miners. However, they faced a strong storm midway across the Bay of Nipe and sought shelter for the night. To their amazement, the next morning, a small white bundle floated towards their boat. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the statue of Our Lady of Charity. Attached to a board, the statue was completely dry and had an inscription that read, "I am the Virgin of Charity." Recognizing the divine nature of this discovery, a shrine was immediately built, which soon became a popular pilgrimage destination. The statue of Our Lady of Charity gained significant recognition and devotion among the Cuban people. As a response to the request of the veterans of the War of Independence, Pope Benedict XV declared Our Lady of Charity as the patroness of Cuba in 1916. The statue was then solemnly crowned during the Eucharistic Congress in Santiago de Cuba in 1936. In recognition of her importance, Pope Paul VI raised the sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity to the status of a basilica in 1977. Later, in 1998, Pope John Paul II reaffirmed her significance by solemnly crowning the statue once again. Our Lady of Charity holds a special place in the hearts of the Cuban community. She is celebrated and revered on the feast day of September 8th each year. In addition to her role as the patroness of Cuba, she is also recognized as the patroness of the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida, and the Diocese of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The story of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, also known as Cachita, showcases the deep faith and devotion of the Cuban people. Through her miraculous appearance and continued veneration, the statue of Our Lady of Charity serves as a source of inspiration, hope, and spiritual guidance for countless individuals. Her presence not only symbolizes the enduring faith of the Cuban community but also highlights the significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholic devotion worldwide.