HOLY SATURDAY
Most Illustrious, Venerable and Ancient Brotherhood and Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, the Most Holy Christ of the Souls, Our Lady of Peace and the Holy Souls. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood brings together a centuries-old sacramental tradition with devotion to the Santísimo Cristo de las Almas (Most Holy Christ of the Souls) and Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace). Following various historical changes and relocations, the reopening of the Church of Santiago in 2016 made it possible to restore the veneration of the crucified Christ in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
These developments reflect a gradual process of consolidation in which parish life, religious worship and the brotherhood’s public presence have reinforced one another. Its current canonical seat is the Parish Church of Santiago el Real y de Refugio, at Plaza Santiago, 11404 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 Holy Saturday, 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. The history of the brotherhood can therefore be understood as a combination of religious devotion, institutional continuity and adaptation to the changing circumstances of each period.
Sacred Images
The Santísimo Cristo de las Almas (Most Holy Christ of the Souls) is a sculpture of the crucified Christ dating from around 1720–1725 and traditionally attributed to Diego José Roldán Serrallonga. The image depicts Christ dead on the Cross and was restored by Jesús Guerrero García between 2015 and 2016. The brotherhood’s principal Marian image is Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace).
The brotherhood’s full official name is “Ilustrísima, Venerable y Antigua Hermandad y Cofradía del Santísimo Sacramento, Santísimo Cristo de las Almas, Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Ánimas Benditas”. This title brings together the different devotions that form the basis of the brotherhood’s religious life and reflects the particular role each plays within its spiritual identity.
The images of Christ and the Virgin Mary traditionally form the focus of contemplation on the Passion and the mysteries of Christ, while devotion to the Holy Souls complements 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 devotees throughout the year.
General information
Home Church: Parish Church of Santiago el Real y de Refugio, at Plaza Santiago, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
