The mayor has delivered to the Santo and Real Hospital de Caridad, as is tradition, the municipal contribution of 50,000 euros to collaborate in continuing its social work
Friday, April 11, 2025 �|� Viewed: 585 times
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The traditional Offering of the Gold Ounce to the Virgin of Charity, carried out on the morning of this Friday of Sorrows, April 11, by the mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, has been marked by two shared emotions: the tribute to the recently deceased Father Francisco Montesinos, rector of the Basilica of Charity, and the gesture of gratitude from the residents of Valencia, who join this afternoon in the offering to Charity to thank the help of the people of Cartagena after the DANA.
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In her speech, the mayor dedicated some especially heartfelt words to Father Montesinos, a beloved figure in the city, who provided decades of service from the parish of San Diego, as rector of Charity and creator of multiple social initiatives. His work is recognized by all of Cartagena as an example of service, dedication, and compassion towards the most disadvantaged. «He walked the path of charity, put bread and fish in the hands of the most needy, sought and provided protection to the most vulnerable. Those of us who were lucky enough to know him will always see him whenever we look towards this altar. We will see him right where he is: next to the Mother he served with enthusiasm and generosity,» said Arroyo.
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The mayor recalled that the solidarity of the people of Cartagena had one of its latest manifestations in the mobilization to help the people of Valencia after the devastating consequences of the DANA suffered in October 2024, referring to the deployment of volunteers and teams of Firefighters, Local Police, and Civil Protection, who for several weeks carried out cleaning, rescue, and logistical support tasks in the most affected areas. «Our Valencian brothers today return solidarity with gratitude,» expressed the mayor, referring to the presence of Valencians in the floral offering to Charity in the evening of the Friday of Sorrows.
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Noelia Arroyo began the offering by highlighting that Cartagena is the city that starts the processions: «The Holy Week of Spain has dawned today in Cartagena.» She did so in front of the President of the Autonomous Community, Fernando López Miras; the Bishop of the Diocese of Cartagena, José Manuel Lorca Planes; the President of the Assembly, Visitación Martínez, the Admiral of Maritime Action, Victoriano Gilabert, and the Rector of the UPCT, Mathieu Kessler, among other civil and military authorities.
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Arroyo recalled that this 2025 is «the year of Hope» and made a call for unity: «Cartagena needs all of us. Nobody is redundant. Everyone has an important place that requires commitment.» In addition, she asked the Virgin for «generosity and intelligence for those who have the responsibility of representing the people,» inviting to overcome differences in favor of the common good.
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At the end of the Eucharist, the Bishop announced that he would give the Virgin of Charity the embroidered silver-thread pectoral that Pope Saint John Paul II gave him when he ordained him bishop. This gesture occurs on the occasion of his farewell from the Diocese.
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The Gold Ounce is a historical tradition dating back to the year 1762. It symbolizes the contribution of 50,000 euros that the City Council of Cartagena annually grants to the Santo and Real Hospital de Caridad.
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