The Golden Rose was awarded to the Virgin of Hope Macarena of Seville on 3 December, Tuesday. In the framework of the II International Congress of Brotherhoods and Popular Piety that is taking place these days. Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Vatican Secretariat of State, was in charge of granting this decoration.
The Catholic tradition of presenting a Golden Rose dates back to the Middle Ages, and over the centuries it has been awarded to monasteries, shrines and prominent personalities in recognition of their commitment to the faith.
This is a “gift” from Pope Francis to one of the most venerated and emblematic Marian devotions in the city of Seville, is also a “profound recognition of popular piety” and a clear sign of his support “for this path of living the faith.”
This is what the Archbishop of Seville, Monsignor José Ángel Saiz Meneses, explained to a Spanish newspaper: “This gesture reinforces the Christian and Marian identity of the city and constitutes a call to spiritual renewal and commitment to the values of the Gospel.”
In short, it is a “gift” that “strengthens faith, encourages devotion and unites the community of Seville in a celebration that bears fruit both spiritually and charitably, and even in the cultural sphere.”
To further elaborate on the significance of this award, the archbishop stressed that “the faith of the people of Seville and Andalusia is an intense, profound faith, rooted in tradition, characterised by a personal and collective experience, where spirituality is intertwined with local culture and customs.”
“This faith is expressed in liturgical celebrations and in devotion to images and sanctuaries, and it maintains religious traditions that are an integral part of community life,” he said.
He also expressed his hope that this recognition will help “increase in awareness of filiation with Mary, to be conscious of her presence and protection in daily life, and that it will serve as an impetus for new generations to draw closer to the Virgin Mary, and that she will occupy a preferential place in their lives.”