# Omar "the promise keeper" arrived in Santiago de Cuba and leaves today toward his final destination before Cuba's Patroness

**Date:** 03/11/2022

Cuban Omar Quintero Montes de Oca is close to fulfilling his promise. The man who has traveled approximately 810 kilometers since he left Marianao, Havana, on January 15th, rested in a locality in Contramaestre, from where he has planned his departure, this Thursday, in another stretch that will lead him to his final destination: the Basilica National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre.

The "promise keeper" continues dragging on foot the cart that he himself built to protect an image of Cuba's patroness and that carries engraved the route and the name of his son: Lázaro Quintero Bermúdez, the reason for a journey that continues to move thousands of Cubans inspired by faith.

Angel Salvador Escandell Zamora, one of those thousands of Cubans who have been moved by this unprecedented pilgrimage, recounted in one of the Facebook groups following Quintero's journey, that he entered Baire, Contramaestre, at 9:35 AM on Tuesday.

"Baire, the first town in the municipality of Contramaestre, was filled with tears, joy, blessings and much faith upon seeing him arrive. Then it was the turn of Pueblo Nuevo, where a little girl with various conditions received a donation from this great man," Escandell narrated.

According to the young man's testimony, in the municipal seat of Contramaestre, the culmination of his journey of almost 33 kilometers in one day, he delivered a second donation, "this time to a little girl with cerebral palsy".

"Much faith, not much left"; "Omar, blessings"; "Strength, you're almost there"; "Omar, friend, Contramaestre is with you", were some of the cheers among the people from Santiago who received him on Tuesday.

Quintero rested at the Casa de Piedra, in the Popular Council Zarza de Guaninao, in Contramaestre, from where he left today Thursday, March 10th, heading toward the municipality of Palma Soriano.

On social media, Cubans are asking "television to cover Omar's arrival at El Cobre".

"Bravo, our Omar is already in Santiago. Please, let's support so that this work of faith is broadcast by the media," wrote Tamara Ramos in the group "Omar and his unbreakable promise".

Geiler David Smith, a healthcare professional in Contramaestre, shared images in the same Facebook group of the care provided to Quintero.

"Omar is resting at the Casa de Piedra in the municipality of Contramaestre in perfect health, satisfied with our care along his journey," said Smith.

The images shared in this and other groups created to follow the journey of the "promise keeper" speak to why this man has taken a bit longer than expected on his way to El Cobre. Hundreds of Cubans continue to spontaneously gather around Omar Quintero. He, with his faith on his shoulders, has wanted to share with many a bit of his time and his promises.