CNA Newsroom, Nov 9, 2022 / 17:00 pm (CNA).
Every Nov. 9, the Church in Spain celebrates the Virgin of Almudena, the patroness of Madrid, whose image “hides” a peculiar story that might not be familiar to many.
During the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, the faithful decided to hide an image of the Virgin Mary in one of the towers of the wall that surrounded the Spanish capital. They placed it there in order to protect the statue, since during that time the Muslims eliminated all signs of Catholicism that crossed their path.
Years later, the Spanish tried to recover the image, although without success, since they were unable to find the exact place in the wall where the Virgin had been hidden.
Because of this, King Alfonso VI decided to hold a procession around the wall in honor of the Virgin, which took place on Nov. 9, 1085.
While the faithful processed around Madrid’s wall, part of the wall of one of the towers collapsed. Behind the rubble appeared the image of the Virgin next to two lighted candles.
Since then, the image has been known as the Virgin of Almudena, since in Arabic “al-mudayna” means “citadel,” or “walled military compound.” Under this title, Our Lady was named patroness of the city by decree in 1908.
On the hill where the statue of the Virgin of Almudena was found, a cathedral in her honor was later built, a symbol of the faith of the people of Madrid. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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At the mention of Islam, one considers discord and fighting. One thing that categorizes man made religions is lack of peace. If the inner man is not at peace with God, he will not be at peace with his neighbour.
Some will suggest that the God of Jacob, (the God of Holy Scripture) is one and the same with Allah of the Koran (Islam).
The differences between the Bible and the Koran are striking and soon become apparent to the casual reader, not to mention the biblical scholar. The main reason Islam is at war is that the followers are at war with God. The idea that Islam is “The Religion of peace” is preposterous!
Christians and Jews are called to peace, both in the Tanakh and the New Testament. We are enjoined to respect our neighbours. Allah calls his followers to wage war on the “infidel”.
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. If we fail, it casts no aspersions on Him. The Prophet of Islam calls his followers to jihad and conquest. There is a marked difference and let us recognize it!
As Christians we have a responsibility to help the Muslim to find the saving grace of Jesus. Jesus is forgiveness and eternal life. Islam is a foreboding handbook of war, which gives the follower no assurance of salvation.
Muslims are cordially invited to learn of Jesus Christ and His love for all men. Test your faith, see where it leads.
I stand at your service to bring truth, the word of God.
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Someone has hacked my account and is trying to have it cancelled. Perhaps this won’t be printed!