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Reading Sheet – Week 1, Class 2

Thomas Tweed. Our Lady of Exile. “Introduction” and “The Virgin’s Exile.” LIBRARY
ONLINE

Due by hard copy or via Canvas (not email) at the beginning of class 2 in Week 1.

1. What does Tweed notice about the shrine when he begins to think about the relationship
between religion and exile?

Tweed realizes that for exiles the shrine has expanded from being solely for religious worship to
a medium at the heart of expressing one’s nationalism and identity.

2. What happens during the nineteenth century that changes Cuba’s relationship with Our Lady
of Charity?

During the nineteenth century, Cuba fights for its independence from Spain. The wars trigger a
new wave of Cuban nationalism, transforming Our Lady of Charity from a religious symbol into
a national one.

3. Why is the Catholic church initially wary of building a shrine to Our Lady of Charity in
Miami?

The church was concerned that exiles would visit the shrine on Sundays, rather than go to
church. It feared it would prevent both parish and American assimilation.