The Pains

Real, Venerable and Illustrious Servite Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows Crowned and the Most Holy Christ of Clemency.

History

Founded in 1699 as the Servite Third Order, and a few years later its presence is already documented in the Holy Week of Córdoba. In 1939, the Christ of Clemency, a contemporary work by Amadeo Ruiz Olmos, was incorporated as a titular image of the brotherhood. On May 9, 1965, after centuries of devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary, the Virgin of Sorrows was canonically crowned by Cardinal Bueno Monreal, being the first image in our city to receive such Marian distinction.

Temple

Church Hospital of San Jacinto. The Convent of Sorrows was built starting in 1707 thanks to the efforts of Father Posadas and the creation of the Servite Congregation. Two façades face the square, both built in the first third of the 18th century.

The titular images

Most Holy Christ of Clemency

The image of the Most Holy Christ of Clemency is the work of Sevillian sculptor Amadeo Ruiz Olmos, made around 1939. The sculpture was purchased by the children of the late Francisco Belmonte y González Abreu, who had been Elder Brother, and later donated to the brotherhood.

It is a crucified Christ, nailed to the cross with three nails, dead on the Cross, almost entirely naked except for a tiny shroud with exceptional folds, knotted on the right side, that covers the Lord’s body. With a strong physical build, His slightly arched arms hold the lifeless body of Jesus. A work of great symmetry, except for the gentle turn of the legs to the left, contrasting with the head, which falls limp to the right.

The face, with beautiful and marked features, shows the Lord asleep, serene, of extreme sweetness and nobility. His hair has been sculpted in wavy locks, as well as His beard, which frames His half-open mouth.

Our Lady of Sorrows Crowned

The image of Our Lady of Sorrows is the work of sculptor Juan Prieto, made in 1719. The same artist had created an earlier sorrowful image the year before, but it was not well received, so he made a new face—the one we know today.

It is a full-body sculpture. However, for her Canonical Coronation in 1965, the Bishop deemed it not liturgical to crown a mannequin-type image, so a body was commissioned from Cordoban sculptor Juan Martínez Cerrillo. It was of little use, as she continued to be venerated as a dressed image.

Her pale face, of notable beauty, gives the image great expressiveness and sweetness. Her elongated, half-open, tired eyes shed copious tears that slide down the Lady’s soft cheeks. Her arched eyebrows and furrowed brow reveal an expression of contained sorrow.

Of great artistic value is the Lady’s crown, the work of Rafael Peidró Dueñas, a masterpiece of 20th-century Cordoban silversmithing. It is crafted in gilded silver, with inlays of diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

Nazarene habit

Black tunic and face cover; officials wear a black velvet cape.

Notable insignias

• Processional cross made of ebony wood, ivory, rock crystal, silver, and gold, crafted by Rafael Peidró (1947).
• Staff of the elder brother in silver, made by the same silversmith (1943).
• Banner of the Virgin, with a medallion from 1879.