Osmany Massó Cuesta, a Cuban bishop, reached out to his fellow countrymen with a touching message from Vatican City. He shared that he had recently prayed for Cuba before the image of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, which stands in the Vatican Gardens.
The San Antonio Maria Claret Parish in Santiago de Cuba disseminated Bishop Massó's message on Saturday. Currently, he serves as the bishop of the Diocese of the Most Holy Savior of Bayamo and Manzanillo.
"This Saturday afternoon, I had the privilege of visiting the image of the Virgin of Charity within the Vatican Gardens," the bishop conveyed.
Seizing this opportunity before Cuba's Patroness, Massó dedicated prayers to his diocese and all Cubans.
“I have prayed for our diocese and our entire people,” he emphasized.
The presence of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre in the Vatican Gardens holds deep significance for Cuban Catholics. Installed in 2014, it is a bronze replica of the historic image associated with Nipe Bay.
Back then, Pope Francis emphasized that its placement in the Vatican symbolized the devotion of both the Church and the Cuban people to their patroness.
Born in Santiago de Cuba in 1976, Massó was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the bishop of the Most Holy Savior of Bayamo and Manzanillo on January 3, 2026. Previously, he was the vicar general of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba and the parish priest of San Antonio Maria Claret.
His episcopal ordination took place on March 14 at the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba, with Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez presiding over the ceremony.
Massó's message arrives just before the celebration of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre. Since August 30, communities across the nation have engaged in the traditional novena, which concludes on September 7, the eve of the Patroness of Cuba's feast day.
This year's prayers have poignantly addressed Cuba's current challenges, with intercessions for families, the ill, and those lacking necessities. There is also an appeal for divine guidance to enlighten the minds of the country's leaders.
Insights into the Significance of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre
Why is the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre significant to Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is significant to Cubans as she is the Patroness of Cuba, symbolizing hope and protection. Her image, housed in the Vatican Gardens, signifies the deep connection between Cuban Catholics and their spiritual heritage.
What is the importance of the novena leading up to the feast day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre?
The novena is a nine-day period of prayer and reflection leading up to the feast day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre. It is a time for Cuban Catholics to seek solace and intercession from their Patroness, especially in the face of national hardships.