HOLY TUESDAY
Hospitaller Brotherhood and Confraternity of Penitents of Our Lord of Goodness and Mercy at the Sacred Washing of His Disciples’ Feet, Saint John Grande and Saint John of God. |
Historical Background
The brotherhood originated from the Hermandad Juvenil del Cautivo de Juan XXIII, a youth brotherhood devoted to Christ Captive in Juan XXIII neighbourhood. It was officially recognised as a parish association on 3 June 2007 and canonically erected as a brotherhood on 20 March 2014 by Bishop José Mazuelos. Its identity is closely linked to the hospital environment and to the figure of Saint John Grande.
These milestones illustrate how the brotherhood gradually developed its religious identity, processional traditions and artistic heritage. Its current canonical seat is the Sanctuary of San Juan Grande, at Glorieta Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, s/n, 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 procession on Holy Tuesday, 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 Señor de la Bondad y Misericordia (Our Lord of Goodness and Mercy) and the figure of the Apostle Saint Peter were created by Ana Rey and Ángel Pantoja and blessed on 28 February 2013. The misterio, or sculptural group, depicts the Gospel scene in which Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
The brotherhood’s full official name is “Hospitalaria Hermandad y Cofradía de Nazarenos de Nuestro Señor de la Bondad y Misericordia en el Sagrado Lavatorio de Pies a sus Discípulos, San Juan Grande y San Juan de Dios”. This title brings together the sacred dedications that shape the brotherhood’s religious worship and reflect both the Gospel scene it represents and its particular spiritual and charitable identity.
The principal sacred images form the devotional centre of the brotherhood. As part of the misterio, they are arranged in a composition designed to bring the corresponding Gospel episode to life visually. The inclusion of Saint John Grande and Saint John of God in the brotherhood’s official title highlights its strong links with the Christian traditions of hospitality, care for the sick and service to those in need. 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: Sanctuary of San Juan Grande, at Glorieta Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, s/n, Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Website: http://hermandadbondadymisericordia.blogspot.com.es/
Pictures / more info (Spanish)
