Philippine Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, H.E. Philippe J. Lhuillier, and his spouse, Madame Edna Lhuillier, were inducted as new members of the Real Esclavitud de Santa Maria de la Almudena, during a mass at the Almudena Cathedral last September 8, 2017.
The Real Esclavitud de Santa Maria de la Almudena is one of the oldest existing associations in the Spanish Catholic Church. Its establishment dates back to 1640 when King Felipe IV of Spain ordered the Duke of Pastrana to found an association devoted to the service of the Virgin of Almudena. Since then, it has played a major role in the life of the Catholic Church of Spain. In 1878, it succeeded in requesting King Alfonso XII to order the Archbishop of Toledo to begin the construction of the present Almudena Cathedral in Madrid.
The Real Esclavitud has a governing body headed by the Spanish King himself and the Duke of Patrana. The decision to invite and induct new members of the Real Esclavitud passes through this governing body. Its membership includes officials of the Spanish government and members of the royal household.
Also inducted, along with Ambassador Lhuillier and his spouse, were Consul General Emmanuel R. Fernandez and his spouse Alicia.