Holy Monday
| Pious Brotherhood of Our Lady of Love and Sacrifice. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood was established on 7 April 1941 by members of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, at the suggestion of the Jesuit priest Antonio de Viu. Its purpose was to foster devotion to the Virgin under the title of Amor y Sacrificio and to maintain perpetual prayers for deceased members of the congregation and the brotherhood.
These milestones show how the brotherhood gradually shaped its religious, processional and artistic identity over time. Its current canonical seat is the Parish Church of Madre de Dios, at Calle Puerta del Sol, 6, 11401 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), from where it maintains devotion to its sacred image and its close ties with the local parish community.
Today, the brotherhood makes its annual procession on Holy Monday, taking its place among the brotherhoods of Holy Week in Jerez. Its foundation, blessings, reorganisations, restorations and inaugural processions mark, at each stage, key points of reference for understanding the brotherhood’s present-day character. Over time, the continuity of its worship and the preservation of its sacred image have helped to strengthen the bonds between successive generations of members.
Sacred Image and Devotional Identity
Nuestra Señora de Amor y Sacrificio (Our Lady of Love and Sacrifice) is a Dolorosa, or Sorrowful Virgin, with a serene expression. She is portrayed gazing heavenwards and holding a crown of thorns in her hands. The image is dressed in full mourning, and its iconography places special emphasis on prayer for those who suffer. The brotherhood’s official name is “Piadosa Hermandad de Nuestra Señora de Amor y Sacrificio”.
This title brings together the devotions that shape its worship and define the Marian devotion represented by the brotherhood. The principal sacred image forms the devotional centre of the brotherhood and, where a misterio is involved, would normally be integrated into a composition designed to convey a particular Gospel scene visually.
The presence of saints, apostles or other devotional titles within a brotherhood’s name completes its spiritual programme and highlights its own particular historical or charismatic links. Taken together, the sacred images and dedications form a devotional and artistic identity that defines the confraternity both in its regular worship and in its annual procession. This spiritual journey explains the form in which the brotherhood presents itself today within Holy Week in Jerez.
General information
Home Church: Parish Church of Madre de Dios, at Calle Puerta del Sol, 6, 11401 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Website: http://amorysacrificio.com/
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
