The Patroness of Cuba, Our Lady of Charity, now has a presence in the Vatican Gardens. The process has been in the making for years. Back in 2008, Cuban Bishops gave the image to Benedict XVI during their 'ad limina' visit.
It's a replica of an image that was placed in a chapel in Bahia de Nipe, Cuba back in the 50's. The Pope announced that it now be part of the Vatican Gardens.
POPE FRANCIS
'We will be placing an image of Our Lady of Charity in the Vatican Gardens. The Patroness of Cuba.'
The history of Our Lady of Charity, dates back to 1684. According to tradition, three fishermen, survived a storm and randomly found an image of Our Lady of Charity, in their fish nets.
On May 10th, 1916, Benedict XV named her the patroness of the island. Then in 2012, Benedict XVI visited her Sanctuary during his visit to Cuba.
Now in addition to Our Lady of Charity, the Vatican Gardens also has an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, known as the patroness of Mexico and of the Americas.
Her statue was placed in the Vatican Gardens back in May 1992, during John Paul II's pontificate.
There's also an image of Our Lady of Suyapa, the patroness of Honduras. Her image was placed in the Gardens back on September 2013.
