Spain : Catedral de la Almudena


Our Lady of Almudena 

The Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Almudena, the patroness of Madrid, has its roots in a legend from the 8th century during the Middle Ages under Islamic rule. Back then, the citizens hid a statue of Virgin Mary somewhere within the city walls to protect Madrid.


The city surrounded by walls

In the 11th century, as Madrid was reclaimed, this statue was discovered within the walls and soon became the city's patron saint. The magnificent cathedral was built right at the very spot where the statue was found. Interestingly, "Almudena" comes from the Arabic word meaning "the city surrounded by walls."


The hidden me

I often find myself wondering where inside my own fallen walls I have hidden myself. Just as faith and hope that had no choice but to be hidden are eventually found one day, I am growing in faith that I will also rediscover the courage I have kept tucked away.




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