On Sunday, Cuban Catholics began a nine-day period of preparation in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. The faithful are invited to participate in prayers and activities leading up to September 8, a day that honors this Marian devotion and coincides with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba has announced the novena, which starts on August 30 and will last for nine days. The call encourages believers to check the schedules at their local churches and communities and to join in each day of preparation.
A key gathering spot will be the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba, which has planned a special schedule for the occasion.
During these days, the Shrine will extend its regular afternoon hours, opening from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily Masses, typically held in the morning, will instead take place at 5:00 p.m., following the Rosary at 4:30 p.m.
In the mornings, smaller services will cater to the needs of pilgrims traveling to El Cobre.
Extended Celebrations and Special Services
The schedule will be even more extensive during the key days of the celebration. The Shrine will remain open continuously from 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, until midnight on Tuesday, September 8.
On September 7, Masses will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., the latter marking the first vespers celebration. On September 8, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the archbishop will preside over a midnight Mass and another at 9:30 a.m., with a parish Mass scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
The day will also feature activities for pilgrims and a Marian music concert at 9:00 p.m., featuring the choral groups Orfeón Santiago and Vox Lucis.
A Year of Milestones and Challenges
This year's celebration is particularly significant. The Parish of Our Lady of Charity in Sancti Spíritus is commencing a Jubilee Year to mark 300 years of history, which will extend until September 2027.
The date also marks the 110th anniversary of the declaration of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre as the Patroness of Cuba by Pope Benedict XV in 1916, following a request from veterans of the Liberation Army.
Beyond its religious significance, the novena's first Sunday prayer addresses some of the pressing social issues faced by Cubans today.
The prayer includes appeals for the needs of families, the sick, and the deceased, as well as a specific plea regarding the nation's leaders: "Enlighten the minds of our governors."
It also calls for solidarity with the most vulnerable, urging those with resources to share with those in need, and highlights children as "the hope for a better future," while praying for unity among divided hearts and protection for the Cuban family.
Another petition emphasizes the desire for "peace, justice, and love," words that resonate strongly amid one of Cuba's most severe economic, energy, and social crises in decades, characterized by prolonged blackouts, fuel and medicine shortages, inflation, and growing challenges in meeting basic needs.
This call to prayer takes place against the backdrop of a deep economic and energy crisis in Cuba. The Associated Press has described the situation as one of the most severe economic downturns in recent Cuban history, marked by fuel shortages and power outages lasting over 20 hours in some areas.
The country's hardships have already impacted these religious celebrations. In September 2025, a massive blackout in eastern Cuba forced the cancellation of the traditional youth pilgrimage to the Shrine of El Cobre, just an hour before it was set to begin.
At that time, the Archdiocese placed the nation's "difficult moments" at the feet of the Virgin.
Understanding the Significance of Our Lady of Charity
What is the importance of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Cuban culture?
Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre is a significant religious symbol in Cuba, serving as the Patroness of the nation. Her feast day unites Cubans in prayer and reflection, transcending religious boundaries and addressing social issues.
How has the economic crisis affected religious celebrations in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to interruptions in traditional religious events, such as the cancellation of the youth pilgrimage due to power outages. These challenges highlight the resilience of the community in maintaining their cultural and religious practices.