The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Monsignor Piero Pioppo, will preside over Holy Mass this Wednesday, April 22, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres (Ávila) on the occasion of the 575th anniversary of the birth of Isabella the Catholic, in an event held at the place where the Queen received baptism and which marks the beginning of the commemorations surrounding her figure.
A celebration at the place of her baptism
The Eucharist takes place in the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, a temple closely linked to the Queen’s life, and is attended by the faithful and ecclesiastical representatives.
The participation of the Pope’s Nuncio is interpreted by the promoting commission as a significant gesture towards the figure of Isabella the Catholic, recognized as Servant of God.
Father José Luis Rubio Willen, director of the Commission for her beatification cause, highlights, in statements to El Debate, the relevance of celebrating this anniversary in Madrigal, where her birthplace is also preserved.
A figure with growing devotion
Rubio Willen emphasizes the existence of a “popular clamor” around Isabella the Catholic, whose figure continues to generate devotion both in Spain and in other countries.
As he explains, this devotion extends especially throughout Hispanic America, from where the beatification cause is also promoted.
The priest insists on presenting the Queen as a current model, not only in the religious sphere, but also as a reference for public, political, and social life.
The beatification process is underway
Regarding the status of the cause, Rubio Willen indicates that the process continues its course and is currently in a relevant technical phase: the updating of the positio, the key document that collects the evidence about her life, virtues, and fame of holiness.
This work is being carried out within the Archdiocese of Valladolid, responsible for promoting the cause, with the aim of adapting the file to current criteria.
Madrigal reinforces the homage with a new sculpture
The anniversary celebrations are not limited to the liturgical sphere. The Ávila locality also promotes various cultural initiatives to commemorate the anniversary.
Among them stands out the installation of a new sculpture dedicated to Isabella the Catholic, which will be located at one of the accesses to the municipality and will add to other existing elements in the urban center.
This project is part of a broader set of activities promoted on the occasion of the 575th anniversary, which seek to strengthen the historical link of Madrigal with the Queen, born in this town in 1451.
A devotion with international projection
In parallel, devotional initiatives linked to the figure of Isabella the Catholic are promoted, such as the creation of a medal that brings together various Marian advocations associated with her figure or arisen in different countries.
Among them are the Virgin of the Anguishes of Arévalo, the Virgin of the Rosary, Our Lady of Luján, or the Virgin of Guadalupe, reflecting the international extension of this devotion.