Today's highlight from the Pope's full day in Cuba

Pope Benedict XVI Visit to the Shrine of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre
EWTN ^ | March 27, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI kneels at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre in El Cobre village on the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba March 27, 2012.

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Visit to the Shrine of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre   On Tuesday morning, 27 March 2012, the Holy Father visited the house of the statue of Our Lady of Charity, where he entrusted to her the future of their country and encouraged them to build their lives on Christ, following the the Virgin's example.   Dear Brothers and Sisters,   I have come as a pilgrim to the house of the blessed statue of Our Lady of Charity, la Mambisa as you call upon her with affection. Her presence in this town of El Cobre is a gift from heaven for all Cubans.   I am pleased to offer cordial greetings to everyone here present. Receive the affection of the Pope and carry it with you from this place, so that everyone can experience consolation and strength in faith. Let all those you meet know, whether near or far, that I have entrusted to the Mother of God the future of your country, advancing along the ways of renewal and hope, for the greater good of all Cubans. I have also prayed to the Virgin for the needs of those who suffer, of those who are deprived of freedom, those who are separated from their loved ones or who are undergoing times of difficulty. I have placed in her Immaculate Heart your young people, that they may be authentic friends of Christ and not succumb to things which bring sadness in their wake. Before Mary of Charity, I remember in a particular way Cubans who are the descendents of those who arrived here from Africa, and the nearby people of Haiti, who still suffer the consequences of the earthquake of two years ago. And I cannot forget the many country people and their families who wish to live the Gospel deeply in their homes and who offer their homes as mission centres for the celebration of Mass.   Following the example of the Most Holy Virgin, I encourage all the sons and daughters of this dear country to continue to build their lives on the firm rock which is Jesus Christ, to work for justice, to be servants of charity and to persevere in the midst of trials. May nothing or no one take from you your inner joy which is so characteristic of the Cuban soul. May God bless you. Thank you very much.

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A golden rose left by Pope Benedict XVI sits next to the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre at her sanctuary in El Cobre village on the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba March 27, 2012.

Our Lady of Charity, pray for us..

I must admit that I was not familiar with devotion to Mary under the title, Our Lady of Charity. Until last night, that is, when I presided over a Marian Hour of Devotion to Our Lady of Charity sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council 12529, Abita Springs, La. Here is the story:
Three young men were rowing their boat in Cuban waters in search of salt to preserve meat for the copper miners of El Cobre. Halfway out, a storm blew up, forcing the three to seek shelter. In the morning, they saw a white bundle floating toward them. It was a statue attached to a board that was inscribed: "Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad", "I am the Virgin of Charity". A shrine was erected and devotion spread throughout Cuba to Our Lady of Charity. This devotion now spreads throughout the world, and here in America, thanks in part to the Knights of Columbus.

May we all strive to learn more about devotion to Mary under this title and continue to turn to Her for powerful intercession with Her Son.

Thanks to all from the local Knights council and parishoners from St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church in Abita for a beautiful prayer service last evening.