PALM SUNDAY
| Pious Brotherhood and Confraternity of Penitents of the Most Holy Christ of Forgiveness, Mary Most Holy of Perpetual Help and Saint Joseph the Worker. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood was founded on 1 May 1963 by a group of members who sought to bring people closer to the Church, inspired by the spirit of renewal associated with the Second Vatican Council. It was initially based at the Parish Church of Santa Ana, where it venerated an image of the crucified Christ and held Stations of the Cross processions until 1973, when it made its first official penitential procession.
These milestones illustrate how the brotherhood gradually developed its religious identity, processional traditions and artistic heritage. Its current canonical seat is the Hermitage of Guía, at Pasaje Cristo del Perdón, 11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz). From this historic chapel, the brotherhood maintains devotion to its principal sacred images and its close ties with the local parish community.
Today, the brotherhood makes its annual procession on Palm Sunday, taking its place among the brotherhoods that make up Holy Week in Jerez. Its foundation, the blessing of sacred images, subsequent reorganisations, restorations and inaugural processions are all important milestones in understanding the brotherhood’s present-day identity. Over the years, the continuity of its religious traditions and the preservation of its sacred images have helped strengthen the bonds between successive generations of brotherhood members.
Sacred Images and Patron Saints
The image of Santísimo Cristo del Perdón (Most Holy Christ of Forgiveness), popularly known as “Cristo joven” (Young Christ), was created by Francisco Pinto Berraquero in 1965 in a contemporary artistic style. The image of María Santísima del Perpetuo Socorro (Mary Most Holy of Perpetual Help) is an anonymous Dolorosa, or Sorrowful Virgin, traditionally attributed to Jácome Baccaro and probably dating from the late 17th century. It became part of the brotherhood’s devotional heritage in 1975.
The brotherhood’s full official name is “Piadosa Hermandad y Cofradía de Nazarenos del Santísimo Cristo del Perdón, María Santísima del Perpetuo Socorro y San José Obrero”. This name brings together the sacred dedications that form the basis of its religious worship and reflect the scenes from the Passion of Christ, Marian devotion and the glorification of the saints represented by the brotherhood. The principal sacred images are the focus of the brotherhood’s devotional life. When they form part of a misterio, a sculptural group depicting a scene from the Passion, they are arranged to convey the corresponding Gospel episode through visual storytelling.
The inclusion of saints, apostles and other sacred dedications in the brotherhood’s official name reflects its spiritual heritage and highlights its particular historical or religious connections. Together, these sacred figures form a unified devotional and artistic identity, representing the brotherhood both in its regular religious services and in its annual Holy Week procession.
General information
Home Church: Hermitage of Guía, at Pasaje Cristo del Perdón, 11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Website: http://nazarenodelaermita.blogspot.com.es/
