The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, one of the most emblematic sites of Cuba's religious and cultural heritage, has been seriously damaged after Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba, leaving a trail of destruction in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Considered “the home of all Cubans,” the sanctuary—built in 1927 on a hill in the mining town of El Cobre—suffered partial structural collapses, leaks, broken stained-glass windows, and roof damage, according to reports from worshippers and local media. Images circulating on social media show the cracked facade, the altar covered in debris, and pews overturned by the force of the wind and rain.
Internet user Oscar Parada shared shocking images on Facebook revealing the fury with which Melissa destroyed the religious center of great importance to Cubans both on and off the island. “The house we all visit, the house that is always open, the house of all Cubans, the house of the Mother… is in ruins,” Parada wrote, reflecting the shock of thousands of believers. For many, the sanctuary is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of national identity and a spiritual refuge during the most difficult moments in Cuban history.
Parada assured residents that the sanctuary is actively working to assess the damage and support the families most affected by the hurricane, and urged them to contact the pastor for any assistance. While Parada did not specify the condition of the venerated Marian image, the photo gallery clearly shows the damage inflicted on the building and the sanctuary's decorations.
Human tragedy in El Cobre
The municipality also faced a critical situation. Intense rainfall triggered landslides in Loma del Cimarrón, burying several homes. According to preliminary reports, children and the elderly were trapped, and rescuers had to work under extreme conditions to evacuate them.
Melissa, which reached Category 4 before weakening, unleashed torrential rains for more than 12 hours on Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Guantánamo. Roads were blocked by mud and fallen trees, while hundreds of families lost their roofs and belongings.
The symbol that transcends borders
The Sanctuary of El Cobre has been the setting for historic moments: in 1998 it received a visit from Pope John Paul II, in 2012 from Benedict XVI, and in 2015 from Pope Francis, who highlighted its value as “a house that unites all Cubans.” Since its consecration, the temple has represented an image of national unity, venerated by believers, agnostics, and exiles.
Throughout the 20th century, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre—declared Patroness of Cuba in 1916—has accompanied generations of Cubans through times of war, crisis, and natural disasters. Therefore, the news of her sanctuary's destruction has sparked a wave of solidarity from the diaspora. Religious communities in Miami, Madrid, and Mexico City have announced collections and Masses for its swift reconstruction.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the municipality of Guamá, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, early Wednesday morning, leaving a trail of destruction and severe damage in its wake across eastern Cuba. Although the storm had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane after striking Jamaica as a powerful Category 5, its sustained winds and torrential rains caused significant damage to homes, roads, and basic infrastructure.
Local authorities reported downed trees, torn-off roofs, broken windows, and numerous flooded homes, especially in rural communities. In addition, overflowing rivers cut off several access roads, hindering rescue and relief efforts.
Given the magnitude of the threat, the Cuban government preemptively evacuated more than 735,000 people in the eastern provinces. However, official figures on the exact number of victims or the total material damage have not yet been released, as many areas remain cut off. Santiago de Cuba, one of the most vulnerable provinces due to its deteriorated infrastructure and frequent power outages, now faces a complex situation with electrical failures, water supply interruptions, and serious logistical difficulties in assisting those affected.
Although Melissa arrived weakened compared to its devastating passage through Jamaica, its impact on eastern Cuba highlights the fragility of the infrastructure and the lack of local resources to deal with high-intensity weather events.
The challenge of rebuilding faith
Local authorities have not yet published a technical report on the damage, but church sources acknowledge that repairs could take months or even years, given the magnitude of the impact and the shortage of building materials in the country.
Even so, the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba assured that the temple will be restored. “El Cobre will rise again. The Virgin does not abandon her people,” a priest told local media.
Faith that withstands hurricanes
Hurricane Melissa, after devastating Jamaica and crossing eastern Cuba, left behind a landscape of destruction that transcends the material. Amid the pain, the image of the wounded Sanctuary of El Cobre has taken on a new meaning: that of a nation struck down, yet united by hope and faith. For many Cubans, rebuilding the temple will be much more than an architectural undertaking: it will be a way of rebuilding themselves as a people.
