Our Lady of the Rosell

Antigua patrona de Cartagena (Murcia)

Former patron of Cartagena and holder of the Order of Santa Maria of Spain that founded Alfonso X, the Virgin of Rosell is a Romanesque size venerated today in Santa Maria de Gracia.

Origin and history

The image is a silky Romanesque size, probably dating in the XII-XIII centuries. It was venerated in the ancient cathedral of Cartagena (Santa María de la Asunción), in a 16th century chapel; after its destruction in the Civil War, the cult moved to Santa María de Gracia. On November 16, 1272, Alfonso X created the Military Order of Santa María de España, based in Cartagena, designating the Virgin of Rosell.

It continues to be officially recognized as the patron of Cartagena, although since the 18th century the popular devotion to the Virgin of Charity the eclipse. On the name "Rosell" there are traditional explanations (from the Catalan "Roser," Virgin of the Rosary; or from the rose it holds), without conclusive document.

Canonical coronation: not recorded.