HOLY MONDAY
Brotherhood of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and Confraternity of Penitents of Our Father Jesus of Mercy, Mary Most Holy of Candlemas and Saint Veronica. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood was founded in 1955 by residents of “La Plata” neighbourhood in Jerez, during a period of intense activity in which many brotherhoods were either established or reorganised. In 1956, a draft of its statutes was submitted to Cardinal José María Bueno Monreal, and the brotherhood’s rules were formally approved on 9 April 1957.
The brotherhood’s subsequent development has been closely linked both to the consolidation of its religious worship and to the creation of the artistic and devotional heritage that defines it today. Its current canonical seat is the Parish Church of Santa Ana, at Calle Lealas, s/n, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), from where it continues to play an active role in the religious life of the local community. The brotherhood makes its annual penitential procession on Holy Monday, forming part of Jerez’s traditional Holy Week celebrations.
Its foundation and subsequent development, the blessing of new sacred images and successive restorations reflect different stages in an unbroken tradition of devotion. Together, these milestones illustrate the brotherhood’s evolution from its origins to its present-day form, while preserving the sacred dedications that remain at the heart of its religious identity. This historical journey helps explain the distinctive character with which the brotherhood takes its place today within Holy Week in Jerez.
Sacred Images and Patron Saints
The brotherhood’s principal sacred images are Nuestro Padre Jesús de las Misericordias (Our Father Jesus of Mercy), María Santísima de la Candelaria (Mary Most Holy of Candlemas) and Santa Mujer Verónica (Saint Veronica). The brotherhood’s identity is also closely associated with the La Plata neighbourhood and the Parish Church of Santa Ana.
Its full official name is “Hermandad del Santísimo Sacramento del Altar y Cofradía de Nazarenos de Nuestro Padre Jesús de las Misericordias, María Santísima de la Candelaria y Santa Mujer Verónica”. These sacred figures embody the brotherhood’s principal devotions and provide the religious focus of both its regular worship and its public processions.
Where a misterio, or sculptural group depicting a scene from the Passion of Christ, is present, the image of Jesus is accompanied by other figures that bring the Gospel episode to life. In simpler compositions, attention is focused more directly on the expression and symbolism of the principal image. The image of the Virgin Mary, where present, conveys the sorrowful, maternal or glorious character associated with her particular dedication, while the brotherhood’s other sacred figures broaden the spiritual meaning of the ensemble. Together, these elements form a coherent devotional programme that gives the brotherhood a distinctive and immediately recognisable identity within Holy Week in Jerez.
General information
Home Church: Parish Church of Santa Ana, at Calle Lealas, s/n, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Website: http://candelariadejerez.blogspot.com.es
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
