Click on thumbnails below to view full-size images.
 
El Cobre, Cuba, 1997 (left); Sainte Sarah, Marseille, France (right)
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From left to right: Sanctuary of El Cobre, 1997; San Juan Bautista Mission, California, 2007; San Xavier de Bac Mission, Tucson, 2003; Hospital de Mujeres, Cádiz, Spain, 2007.
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More ex-votos, “Chamber of Miracles” in Sanctuary, El Cobre 1997. |
Orthopedic devices such as crutches and a back support bracer represent another kind of ex-voto displayed in the Sanctuary's room of miracles as evidence of the Virgin of Charity's healing powers.
Under the Virgin's image (out of the picture's frame), is a case displaying "jewels" given as votive offerings or gifts in return for a favor by wealthier devotees. In a contiguous room to the "Chamber of Miracles" devotees light votive candles during the annual festivity of the Virgin to make their requests. There is no image of the Virgin in this altar to whom devotees may directly address a prayer when lighting their candle.
Despite the increasing suppression of the practice in many churches for safety and other reasons, candle lighting, as a symbolic expression of ardent hope, is one of the most popular rituals in shrines and saints' altars throughout the Catholic world. Candles are not abundant in Cuba and they constitute a valuable commodity. Their ritual use as votive offerings on this occasion is a particularly affecting show of devotion and desire for some favor. Below left are images of candle lighting in El Cobre and other world locations.
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