The Virgin of the Rose venerated in the city of Makati since 1718 represents the most beautiful among

the flowers that blooms in the Garden of Virtues that God has planted. The Rose in her hand represents
both her Loving devotion to God and her compassionate actions for her fellow men. The Rose also
expresses the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, foretelling the birth of Jesus. It emphasises the
royal genealogy of Jesus and Christian messianic prophecies. The following is an exerpt from Catherine
Winkworth’s translation of the 16th century German Christmas Carol and Marian Hymn called “Es ist ein
Ros entsprungen”:

A Spotless Rose is blowing,

Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,

Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary, purest Maid;
Through God's great love and might
The Blessed Babe she bare us
In a cold, cold winter's night.

His Holiness Pope Francis has authorized the canonical coronation of the Image of the Virgen de la Rosa
de Macati last October 29, 2018 with a Decree addressed to His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal
Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila. The whole Archdiocese and the City of Makati rejoices with this great
news. Details of the coronation are yet to be finalized. Viva la Virgen!