August 19, 2011 – Madrid hosted a Stations of the Cross that offers a sampling of the typical Spanish Holy Week. The celebration showed different scenes that can usually only be found in the streets of Spain during Holy Week. The event was attended by representatives from designated brotherhoods and religious associations. Fourteen pieces from ten different cities illustrated the Stations of the Cross that was celebrated during the youth event. Benedict XVI presided over the ceremony, giving various pilgrims the opportunity to say that the Holy Father has prayed over each station. The representative from the Murcia Brotherhood, Rafael Cebrián, emphasizes the importance of this “bold and extraordinary initiative.” It is quite unusual to see these statues in the middle of August. Cebrián also stresses that “each one was made for a specific catechetical purpose, portraying a different scene of the Passion of Christ; we will continue the mission of these artistic creations by sharing the Passion with youth from all over the world”. He goes on to comment on the religious significance of the sculptures, describing them as “a warm embrace between God and the common man.” Francisco José Portela, Art History Professor at the Complutense University in Madrid, explains the historical and artistic value of each piece and of the collection as a whole, which is comprised of both antique and contemporary statues. These sculptures “represent the value of Spanish imagery over the last four centuries”. He also points out, “These pieces bring extremely sacred art out into the street”. In regards to the selection of the various stations, Portela affirms that “although not all statues in existence will be present, each piece brought to Madrid will serve as a true representation of the Spanish Stations of the Cross”. The statues will be placed between the Plaza de Cibeles, where the Stations of the Cross will begin, and Plaza de Colón, where the celebration will conclude. Fr. Cremades says that the various brotherhoods was responsible for transporting the statues and ensuring their safety. The pieces was carried throughout the streets of Madrid during the processions on Thursday and Friday night. Below are the respective photos of the Stations and detailes of statues and its artists.

via crucis caroza –

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