La Expiración (The Expiry)

Royal, Venerable and Distinguished Brotherhood of Penance and Brotherhood of Nazarenes of the Holy Christ of Expiry, Holy Mary of Silence, Our Lady of Rosary Crowned in her Painful Mysteries and Saint Anthony Mary Claret.

HISTORY.
It was founded in the second third of the 18th century in the current Parish of San Francisco y San Eulogio, and reorganised in San Pablo in 1918, where its current period started. It was known in the 40s as “The Students”, due to its relationship with them. In 1973 Virgen del Rosario(Virgin of Rosary) was blessed, and a year later, the Christ was carried by the first group of costaleros(pace carriers) in the city. On 31st October 1993, bishop Infantes Florido crowned canonically Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of Rosary), which was the first time this kind of ceremony was held in the Mosque-Cathedral.

TEMPLE.
Royal Church of San Pablo. It is the biggest temple in the city and it was one of King Fernando III’s foundations after the reconquest of the city, for a strong order at the time, the Dominicans. It is nowadays a convent of Claretians Fathers, and it is divided in three large Gothic naves, to which some chapels were annexed in the past, with a great taste and noble material.

THE IMAGES.
Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración (Holy Christ of Expiry) – [PHOTO #1; #2]
The image of Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración (Holy Christ of Expiry) is an anonymous work from the end of the 17th century. It originally belonged to Hermandad de San Diego y San Acacio (Brotherhood of Saint Diego and Saint Acacius), established in San Francisco. It was worshipped there until 1904, when the bishopric approved its transfer to the Church of San Pablo, its current see.
During the looting carried out by the French, the image suffered great damage; therefore it had to be restored several times during the 20th century.
It is a crucified Christ, represented at the moment of his last breath, which is full of a dramatic and intense expression. The treatment of his torso shows a great quality. He is slightly leaning forward, as is taking his last breath, while turning his hip left. The large purity cloth is tied on his right and it shows a great movement and treatment of the fabric.
The Lord’s look, slightly leaning left, is looking up at the sky while crying: “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?“.

María Santísima del Silencio (Holy Mary of Silence).
At the foot of the Cross and accompanying the Lord, we can see the image of María Santísima delSilencio(Holy Mary of Silence), an anonymous work from the 17th century. It is an image to be dressed and only her hands and face are carved. Her face, leaned right, shows her contained pain. Far from looking up at the Lord, she is staring at the foot of the Cross.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario en sus Misterios Dolorosos Coronada (Our Lady of Rosary Crowned in her Painful Mysteries) – [PHOTO #1; #2]
The image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of Rosary) was made by sculptor from Seville Luis Álvarez Duarte around 1973. The name was chosen in memory of the traditional Dominican devotion.
Only her face and hands are carved. She has a childish face and big eyes, reddened by the pain, and four tears come down her cheeks. Her slightly curved eyebrows frame a triangular brow, which is very frequent in this author’s works. She has a prominent chin and a very characteristic small dimple. Finally, as it could not be otherwise, a rosary hangs from her left hand.

NAZARENE HABIT.
Long black tunic and face-coverer and straw belt.

IMPORTANT INSIGNIAS.
 Wooden Guiding Cross covered in tortoiseshell and finished by Díaz Roncero.
 Banner of the brotherhood with golded embroidery by Piedad Muñoz with silver pole by Zamorano.
 Silver Guide of the Youth, by Jesús Domínguez, finished by a San Rafaelat the top (1976).
 Virgin banner designed by Brother Ricardo of Córdoba, embroidered by Piedad Muñoz and silks from the 17th century.
 Horns with golden embroidered cloths by Jesús Rosado over English velvet. Silver candlesticks by Zamorano and conventual cross with a cloth and embroidery from the 18th century.