Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez joined members of South Florida’s Cuban community for a special celebration honoring Our Lady of Charity, the Patroness of Cuba, and marking 65 years since her image arrived in Miami. The gathering brought together generations of families united by faith, tradition, and a connection to their Cuban heritage.
For generations of Cubans, Our Lady of Charity has represented much more than a religious devotion. She has remained a symbol of faith, hope, family, and the enduring connection to a homeland carried in the hearts of those who left Cuba and built new lives abroad. The anniversary served as an opportunity to reflect on that history while passing these traditions to younger generations.
“Our Lady of Charity has accompanied generations of Cuban families through moments of joy, sacrifice, uncertainty, and hope,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “For our community, honoring her is also about remembering where we come from and preserving the traditions that have helped keep Cuban families united across generations.”
Fernandez highlighted the importance of preserving the cultural and spiritual traditions that have shaped Miami-Dade’s Cuban community for decades. He noted that gatherings like this provide an opportunity for parents and grandparents to share their history with younger generations and ensure that the traditions they brought with them continue to have a place in South Florida.
Fernandez thanked the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity and Javier Fernández for helping bring the community together for the celebration. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to take part in a meaningful occasion recognizing 65 years of faith, history, and devotion in Miami.
