A Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Her devotion and prayers are directed by thousands of Cubans, especially Camagüeyan people, who consider her to be the Patron Saint of their land.
There, numerous prayers are dedicated to him every day imploring his blessing, his help and his protection.
For this reason, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria o Camagüey Cathedral Church, a catholic temple that already celebrates more than 4 centuries.
The Church has had Metropolitan Archdiocese status since 1998, granted by Pope John Paul II. And it was also named a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis in 2014.
La Camagüey Cathedral Church It is located in the historic center of that city of the same name, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically on Cisneros Street, in front of Ignacio Agramonte Park.
History and devotion to Candelaria in Camagüey land
La Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria It was erected in 1617 in its current location, although the temple has had to undergo several restoration processes since since its construction it has faced pirate attacks, hurricanes, construction errors and of course, the passing of the centuries.
But after an extensive restoration process, the Church of Camagüey It was declared a diocese and elevated to the rank of cathedral on December 10, 1912, by Pope Pius X.
After a time closed and practically destroyed, the Cathedral It was again fully rehabilitated in 1998.
For that year the interior design was improved and the stained glass windows The Annunciation and The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple were incorporated, as well as a new Via Crucis.
In its reopening in August of that year, the Apostolic Nuncio, all the bishops of Cuba participated, and deacons and priests from other dioceses were invited.
Ten years later, in December 1998, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria It was visited by Pope John Paul II, who granted it the status of Archbishopric and the rank of Metropolitan Cathedral, for which the dioceses of Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Ciego de Ávila were subordinated to it.
Adoration of the Candlemas
The town of Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe, current Camagüey, was founded by 55 Castilians, who chose the Virgen de la Candelaria as their patron.
And that is why the devotion to the saint runs through the roots of the people of Camagüey, in which they also venerate the figure of the Yoruba religion, the Orisha Oyá.
Every second February the church celebrates the Candlemas festival and on that day the curious custom of cutting hair and pruning trees takes place, to give strength and vigor to both.
