The crown is believed to have been made in the 17th century for the Spanish king, Charles II. It was created by famous goldsmith, Juan de Arfe, in 1662 and was presented to the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Seville, Spain by the queen consort of Charles II. The crown is made of gold and silver and is adorned with jewels, including diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The centerpiece of the crown is a large, oval-shaped rock crystal on which is engraved an image of the crucifixion.
The Most Precious Blood Crown of Jesus has been the subject of many legends and stories. According to one legend, the crown was believed to have been originally sent to Barcelona by the pope as a gift to King James I of Aragon. However, the ship carrying the crown was caught in a storm and washed up on the shores of the village of Begur. The people of Begur claimed the crown as their own and it remained in the local church for many years before being moved to Seville in the 17th century.
In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, the crown has also been associated with several miracles. In 1885, a cholera epidemic broke out in Seville and many people were dying. The priests of the Discalced Carmelites decided to take the Most Precious Blood Crown of Jesus through the streets of the city, hoping that it would help to stop the epidemic. The people of Seville followed the crown in a procession and soon after, the epidemic began to abate. This event is still celebrated in Seville every year on the feast of the Most Precious Blood.
The Most Precious Blood Crown of Jesus has been the center of many controversies and thefts throughout history. In 1906, robbers broke into the Carmelite monastery in Seville and stole the crown, along with other valuable religious items. The crown was eventually recovered, but not before it had been damaged and some of the jewels had been removed. In 1999, the crown was stolen again by a group of thieves who escaped with it in a car. The crown was eventually recovered intact, but the thieves were never caught.
Despite all the turmoil surrounding the crown, it remains an important and cherished religious artifact for Catholics all over the world. The crown is still on display at the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Seville and is visited by thousands of people every year.
In conclusion, the Most Precious Blood Crown of Jesus is a powerful symbol of sacrifice, faith, and devotion. It holds a unique place in Catholic history and remains an important part of religious tradition to this day. Its fascinating history and association with miracles and legends only add to its allure and mystery. The crown continues to inspire and touch the hearts of Catholics all over the world who see it as a testament to the power of faith and devotion.