The old San Lázaro, protector of all Cubans, is prayed today in syncretism with the Orisha Babalú Ayé, great healer and wise man in the Yoruba Pantheon.
United in a powerful cult, the Holy Orisha can help us get ahead in these times of conflict, misery, violence and disease.
We Cubans raise our voices to them asking for their guidance to move forward, to end this pandemic that has devastated the world and for peace and health to return to reign on this earth.
And not only Cubans, but many devotees of the world, also pray to the saint and the Orisha as protectors of humanity, begging for better times of happiness and harmony.
En the Rule of Osha or Santeria, San Lázaro syncretizes with Babalú Ayé in an extremely powerful and ancient cult.
They are seen in the figure of a poor old beggar who is dressed in rags and uses a pair of crutches, with his legs full of sores and surrounded by dogs.
Every day in Cuba the blessing of San Lázaro and Babalú Ayé is requested and miracles are requested.
How do we ask San Lázaro and Babalú Ayé?
Babalú Ayé and San Lázaro are asked to cure illnesses and protect them from all evil, since they protect the poor and disadvantaged and intercede in difficult situations for their children and faithful.
Both deities receive great attention, especially on December 17, when a large number of devotees arrive at their temple in El Rincón, in Havana, carrying offerings of flowers, fruits and candles, ready to fulfill promises made to the saint.
To pray to San Lázaro and Babalú Ayé we must know that:
- Purple flowers such as gladiolus or daisy of said hue, representative of both, are usually brought to it.
- The saint-orisha is also illuminated with purple or white candles, in order to ask for their light and guidance.
Powerful prayer for the Holy Orisha
After lighting a candle in her name, we offer the following prayer to ask for peace and healing for ourselves, loved ones and the world:
Saint Lazarus, and my Orisha Babalú blessed father, listen to my prayers and do not abandon your faithful
We go through bad times, loaded with diseases and violence
That is why I turn to you, my healer and powerful father, my Old Saint Lazarus
I ask that you take the ills away from your children, and instead restore health and peace to this world that has suffered so much.
Saint Lazarus mighty, you who bless the unfortunate, guide us to free ourselves from dangers, diseases, sorrows and misfortunes
Babalu Ay bring with your powerful hands happiness and peace and guide us out of these dark paths
Do not abandon us in this pain Saint Lazarus, allow our land to heal and purge all evil that remains on it
Amen