MAUNDY THURSDAY
| Illustrious and Salesian Brotherhood and Confraternity of Our Father Jesus of Redemption before the High Priest Annas, Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church and Help of the People of God, Saint John Bosco, Saint Mary Mazzarello and the Company of the Immaculate Conception. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood originated within the Salesian community and, from its earliest years, developed an intense programme of social, educational and charitable activity. After several decades of consolidation, it was canonically erected as a brotherhood on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2004. Its identity brings together Salesian spirituality, Eucharistic devotion and a strong commitment to social action.
These milestones illustrate how the brotherhood gradually developed its religious identity, processional traditions and artistic heritage. Its current canonical seat is the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians, at Avenida San Juan Bosco, 6, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), from where it maintains devotion to its sacred images and its close ties with the local community.
Today, the brotherhood makes its annual penitential procession on Maundy Thursday, 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 Redención (Our Father Jesus of Redemption) and María Santísima Madre de la Iglesia, Auxiliadora del Pueblo de Dios (Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church and Help of the People of God) were created by Juan Antonio González Ventura in 1985 and blessed on 28 March 1996. Both sacred images were restored by their creator in 2005.
The brotherhood’s full official name is “Ilustre y Salesiana Hermandad y Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Redención ante el Sumo Sacerdote Anás, María Santísima Madre de la Iglesia, Auxiliadora del Pueblo de Dios, San Juan Bosco, Santa María Mazzarello y Compañía de la Inmaculada Concepción”. This title brings together the sacred dedications that shape the brotherhood’s religious worship and reflect the Passion of Christ, Marian devotion and its strong Salesian identity.
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 scene represents Christ appearing before Annas, the former Jewish high priest, following His arrest. The presence of Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello emphasises the brotherhood’s Salesian spirituality, while the Company of the Immaculate Conception further enriches its particular religious and historical identity.
General information
Home Church: Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians, at Avenida San Juan Bosco, 6, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
