GOOD FRIDAY — EARLY HOURS
| Sacramental Brotherhood and Confraternity of Penitents of Our Father Jesus of the Redemptive Mission, Our Mother and Lady of the Encounter, Mary Most Holy of Silence, Saint Gemma Galgani and Saint Raymond Nonnatus. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood developed in Picadueñas neighbourhood and around the Parish Church of Corpus Christi, gradually establishing a strong sacramental and missionary identity. Its principal processional mystery depicts the encounter between Jesus the Nazarene and His Mother on the way to Calvary, a deeply moving scene that lies at the heart of the brotherhood’s devotional identity.
These milestones illustrate how the brotherhood gradually developed its religious identity, processional traditions and artistic heritage. Its current canonical seat is the Parish Church of Corpus Christi, at Calle Picadueña Baja, s/n, 11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), from where it maintains devotion to its sacred images and its close ties with the local parish community.
Today, the brotherhood makes its annual penitential procession during the early hours of Good Friday, taking its place among the brotherhoods of Holy Week in Jerez. Its foundation, the blessing of sacred images, subsequent reorganisations, restorations and inaugural processions are all important milestones in understanding its present-day identity. Over time, the continuity of its religious worship and the preservation of its sacred images have helped strengthen the bonds between successive generations of brotherhood members.
Sacred Images and Patron Saints
Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Misión Redentora (Our Father Jesus of the Redemptive Mission) was created by Fernando Murciano Abad and depicts Christ weakened by suffering as He encounters His Mother on the way to Calvary. The brotherhood’s official title also includes Nuestra Madre y Señora del Encuentro (Our Mother and Lady of the Encounter), María Santísima del Silencio (Mary Most Holy of Silence), Saint Gemma Galgani and Saint Raymond Nonnatus.
The brotherhood’s full official name is “Hermandad Sacramental y Cofradía de Nazarenos de Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Misión Redentora, Nuestra Madre y Señora del Encuentro, María Santísima del Silencio, Santa Gema Galgani y San Ramón Nonato”. This title brings together the sacred dedications that shape the brotherhood’s religious worship and reflect the Passion of Christ, Marian devotion and the veneration of the saints associated with the brotherhood.
The principal sacred images form the devotional centre of the brotherhood. When they form part of a misterio, or sculptural group depicting a scene from the Passion, they are arranged to convey the corresponding Gospel episode through visual storytelling. In this case, the mystery depicts the poignant encounter between Christ and His Mother on the road to Calvary. The presence of Saint Gemma Galgani and Saint Raymond Nonnatus completes the brotherhood’s spiritual programme and highlights its particular devotional and charismatic associations. Together, these sacred figures form a unified devotional and artistic identity, representing the brotherhood both in its regular religious worship and in its annual Holy Week procession.
General information
Home Church: Parish Church of Corpus Christi, at Calle Picadueña Baja, s/n, 11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
