The Virgin of Almudena, patroness of Madrid, will wear two replicas of the golden rose that Leo XIV gave her during his visit to the cathedral on June 8 this year for her feast day. This has been reported by the Archdiocese of Madrid, which adds that the floral offering will be held this year on Bailén Street.
The two roses are made of silver with gold plating and were handmade by silversmith Antonio Martínez, of Sucesores de Platería Antonio Martínez, so “no two flowers are alike,” according to the archdiocese. One of them will be attached with silver thread to the original image; the other will be placed in the hand of the Child Jesus on the resin replica that goes out in procession. The original rose given by the Pope remains in the church.
“Always that golden rose in her hand”
Canon Jesús Junquera explained that, from now on, “the Virgin will always have that golden rose in her hand.” He indicated that, during this year’s feast, every effort will be made to “remember the blessing of the visit that Pope Leo XIV made to Madrid.” To that end, the image will also wear the mantle of Isabel II, embroidered in gold and silk.
The golden rose is one of the oldest distinctions granted by the Pontiff, a silver flower covered in gold that the Pope blesses and gives to shrines, images, or individuals as a sign of special esteem. The one Leo XIV placed before Madrid’s patroness was one of the highlights of his visit to the capital, which InfoVaticana already covered.
The floral offering, on Bailén due to the Ibero-American Summit
The celebration of the Ibero-American Summit at the Royal Collections Palace prevents the floral offering from being held in Plaza de la Armería, as is customary. Therefore, it will be moved to Bailén Street, where a large wall of flowers will cover the cathedral’s railings and the Virgin will be placed at the entrance. Families are invited to leave their bouquets there.
The summit also affects the schools’ charitable offering, as they cannot travel in large groups to the city center. Schools are invited to bring their food donations to Bailén on Tuesday, November 10.