A Cuban man living in the United States has moved thousands on TikTok by sharing the moment he fulfilled a promise made to Our Lady of Charity, the patron saint of Cuba. During his recent visit to the island, this Cuban went to the National Shrine in Santiago de Cuba, where he climbed the temple steps on his knees, dressed entirely in white, just as he had promised before emigrating.
"I promised the Virgin that if I ever made it to the United States, I would climb the church steps on my knees dressed in white when I returned," wrote @luisrubengonzalez2 in the video where he displayed his devotion with each step.
"I finally fulfilled my promise," he added in the video, which ended with him reaching the last step and celebrating that "faith and the desire to succeed move mountains," a message that has touched many hearts.
At the time of writing, the video had already surpassed 4,500 likes and garnered more than 240 comments, most of them expressing support, admiration, and shared emotions: "I got goosebumps watching your video because I made the same promise, and I will fulfill it because she fulfilled her promise to me"; "I made my promise if she helped me leave Cuba; it's been five years, and in a few days, I am going back to see my mother and son and, of course, to fulfill my promise, thank you"; "I cried... only Cubans know and feel this"; "This is just the beginning of a long story; let the achievements come because you are perseverant. Happy that you got to see your parents and family. Blessings"; "I also have a similar promise with her, and in October, I will fulfill it"; "My patron saint is Our Lady of Charity, my Santiago de Cuba"; "What an emotion, I also did it for my son's health, Our Lady of Charity is great"; "I cried, I haven't reached my goal yet, but at least I left there"; "I promised her that if I left, I would climb on my knees, and the day before I left, I fulfilled it"; "Promises are promises, brother. Showers of blessings, thanks to her and everything that exists, your dream came true," commented some users.
After this video, the Cuban man—who appears to live in Miami judging by his social media—shared another video of the emotional reunion with his family on the island: "Only Cubans understand what it means to leave behind the people you love, to one day give them everything they gave us," he wrote about the scene.
"Hugging my parents again is something beautiful," he added.
Fulfilling Promises to Our Lady of Charity
Here are some frequently asked questions about the significance and impact of fulfilling promises made to Our Lady of Charity, especially for the Cuban community.
Why do Cubans make promises to Our Lady of Charity?
Our Lady of Charity, or La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, is the patron saint of Cuba and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Cubans. Making promises to her is a way to seek her intercession and show devotion, often in exchange for assistance or blessings.
What is the significance of climbing the church steps on knees?
Climbing the church steps on knees is an act of penance and humility. It is a physical manifestation of one's devotion and gratitude towards Our Lady of Charity, often performed to fulfill a promise made in exchange for her intercession.
How has social media impacted the sharing of such personal stories?
Social media platforms like TikTok allow individuals to share their personal stories and experiences with a wider audience, fostering a sense of community and support. This can amplify the emotional impact of such stories and inspire others who may have similar experiences or beliefs.