Devotees once again honor Our Lady of Mercy in Havana

As every year, and despite the crisis, believers from throughout the city and beyond flocked to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy this Wednesday as a demonstration of their faith and devotion.

As is traditional, Cuban devotees once again honored the Virgen of Mercy on September 24.

The Virgin, also known as Our Lady of Mercy, patron saint of captives, who in Afro-Cuban Santeria is syncretized with Obatalá, was celebrated specifically at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Old Havana.

Cuban devotees honor the Virgen of Mercy at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

As every year on this date, this church — one of the most important Catholic temples in Havana’s historic center — welcomed believers from throughout the city and beyond, who came as a demonstration of their faith and devotion.

Prayers, songs, flowers and candles once again took center stage at the religious celebration, which also included a procession of the Virgin’s image through the streets surrounding the church.

Procession of the image of the Virgen of Mercy, in the streets surrounding the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

Mostly dressed in white — the color of Our Lady of Mercy and Obatalá —the devotees honored the Marian devoutness and prayed for themselves and their families, particularly for imprisoned relatives and friends, and also for Cuba, which is experiencing a deep economic crisis.

Despite the crisis, many did not miss the celebration, despite the usual transportation problems and prolonged power outages. Even the church, decorated for the occasion, was also in darkness, although electricity was later restored to illuminate the interior of the temple.