A Matter of Faith I: Full of Grace / Cuestión de Fe I. Llena eres de gracia

The future is open to an endless range of possibilities that we do not know.

Some people train or condition their minds with a simple prayer: everything is going to be all right. According to certain theories, perhaps that helps them attract what is good. It may also be that excess optimism prevents them from preparing to face negative events.

But the person who has faith accepts the existence of something greater that escapes both understanding and personal will. Whoever has faith lets go a little of control over life, receives help, and opens more fully to the mystery of human existence.

Faith manifests itself in many ways. There are those who pray, those who plant or embrace trees, those who light candles, those who doubt themselves and later recover their self-esteem, those who go to sacred places, those who clean the oceans, those who make sacrifices and promises, those who connect with the spirit of the dead, those who meditate with crossed legs, and those who, terrified by everything, take refuge in their children and continue to trust in human betterment and in the usefulness of virtue.

But on September 8, Cubans devoted to “Cachita” and the children of Oshún come together in celebration and harmony. Many only long for health and strength to endure the present.