{"id":52856,"date":"2025-07-03T21:57:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T21:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christianpure.com\/?p=52856"},"modified":"2025-07-03T21:57:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T21:57:48","slug":"spanish-faithful-disconcerted-by-restoration-of-iconic-image-of-weeping-virgin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christianpure.com\/pt\/learn\/spanish-faithful-disconcerted-by-restoration-of-iconic-image-of-weeping-virgin\/","title":{"rendered":"Fi\u00e9is espanh\u00f3is desconcertados com o restauro de imagem ic\u00f3nica de Virgem chorosa"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n The original face of Our Lady of Hope of Macarena. \/ Credit: Emilio S\u00e1enz\/Macarena Brotherhood<\/span>\n<\/div>\n

Madrid, Spain, Jun 25, 2025 \/ 10:54 am (CNA).<\/p>\n

The recent changes made to the expression on the face of the iconic image of Our Lady of Hope of Macarena, a popular Spanish devotion, has sparked a wave of reactions among those who consider her an essential part of their faith.<\/p>\n

The main focus of discontent has centered on the Virgin\u2019s expression, as the addition of false eyelashes and other changes during recent conservation work visibly altered her expression, causing a negative reaction from numerous devotees who said they no longer recognized \u201ctheir Virgin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not my Virgin, it\u2019s not the image we have venerated for generations,\u201d is how many of the faithful have expressed their bewilderment in recent days at Our Lady of Hope of Macarena Basilica in Seville Spain, where the image known as the \u201cVirgin of Macarena\u201d is kept.<\/p>\n

The statue was removed from public veneration for five days to undergo the conservation work and was returned to public view on June 21. The first change to the eyes was followed by another touch-up that same afternoon, and a third that evening, when the eyelashes were reduced, the eyebrows were retouched, and the complexion was darkened.<\/p>\n

These modifications to one of the most emblematic images of Holy Week in Seville has led to a torrent of reactions, many of them expressing criticism and surprise \u2014 some with tears \u2014 flooding social media, and there have even been protests at the basilica.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Virgin remains sad; she seems tired, her eyes speak for themselves,\u201d said one post on X<\/a>. Something has happened, and her expression has changed. Sad to see what has happened. Her children and Seville are demanding an explanation. It will come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another post compared photos of the image from 2016, 2022, and on June 23:<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Fotograf\u00eda de la Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena de 2016, fotograf\u00eda del a\u00f1o 2022 y fotograf\u00eda de la Virgen en el d\u00eda de ayer, valoren ustedes.#Macarena<\/a> #Esperanza<\/a> #TDSCofrade<\/a> #esperanzamacarena<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2BgvIkGn7X<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Objetivo Cofrade (@objcofrade) June 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n