Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Havana (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI has decided to grant a special plenary indulgence to those who participate in Cuba's pilgrimage of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, the patroness of the island. The pilgrimage is part of a wider program of events taking place on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the discovery image.
The Bishops of Cuba have prepared a message for this important event. The text reads: "2012 will be the year when we remember the 400 years that have passed since that initial event. To prepare ourselves spiritually to celebrate this significant date, the Catholic bishops of Cuba invite all the faithful devotees of the Virgin of Charity, and all people of good will – especially the most needy and all those who cannot go to Cobre to visit Our Lady in her Shrine – to participate in the Pilgrimage of the image of 'La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre,' which will visit each and every one of the provinces, fields, villages, and cities of our beloved country to seek to unite all in prayer and charity." In fact, this time there will be an itinerary that covers the entire island of Cuba: the pilgrimage started from Santiago de Cuba (see Fides 10/8/2010) and will go to Pinar del Rio (the end of the island), from whence it will go finally to Havana (the first day of December 2011).
The text of the Bishops continues: "Upon hearing the news of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Mary went to accompany and help her cousin. She is an example of solidarity and service, generous dedication to those who need it. She brings the best gift you can offer: the child Jesus, but also brings affection, closeness, companionship. “Maria de la Caridad” calls us to live the fraternal charity that is always necessary, especially in these times when all Cubans are called to seek the peace and justice we are so in need of."
The pilgrimage of the image is part of the program begun in 2008 for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of its image and will conclude in 2012. According to tradition, the image of the Virgin appeared for the first time in 1612 to three fishermen who were on a boat in the eastern bay of Nipe. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/13/2010)
