PALM SUNDAY
| Ancient and Venerable Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood has a long-standing tradition of devotion to Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows). The original image of the Virgin underwent various alterations over the centuries. In the 20th century, the brotherhood renewed the sculptural group: a new image of Christ was commissioned from Ramón Chaveli around 1940, while the Virgin underwent significant alterations, including work carried out by Chaveli himself in 1942.
These developments reflect a gradual process of consolidation in which parish life, religious worship and the brotherhood’s public presence have reinforced one another. Today, its canonical seat is the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, at Calle Porvenir, 1, 11401 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), which remains the focal point of its religious services and devotional activities.
The brotherhood makes its annual penitential procession on Palm Sunday, as part of the Holy Week celebrations in Jerez. Its history also highlights the importance of its principal sacred images and the successive conservation and restoration efforts that have helped preserve its distinctive identity.
Sacred Images and Patron Saints
Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows) forms a Pietà, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Christ in her lap. The Virgin’s present appearance is the result of successive alterations and restorations, while the current image of Christ was created by Ramón Chaveli. The sculptural group follows the traditional iconography of the Pietà, conveying a restrained yet deeply moving expression of grief. The brotherhood’s full official name is “Antigua y Venerable Hermandad de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias” (Ancient and Venerable Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows). This title reflects the devotion at the heart of the brotherhood and its religious identity.
Images of Christ and the Virgin Mary traditionally form the focus of contemplation on the Passion and the mysteries of Christ, while other sacred dedications complement the brotherhood’s spiritual heritage. The artists responsible for these sculptures, their dates of creation, historical attributions and subsequent restorations help place them within Jerez’s rich tradition of religious processional sculpture and contribute to their distinctive artistic character.
The continued veneration of these sacred images preserves the brotherhood’s collective memory and provides a lasting focus of devotion for its members and followers throughout the year.
General information
Home church: Chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, at Calle Porvenir, 1, 11401 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Website: http://www.sietecuchillos.com
Pictures / More info (Spanish)
