The Expiration

Real, Venerable and Illustrious Brotherhood of Penance and Confraternity of Nazarenes of the Most Holy Christ of the Expiration, Holy Mary of Silence, Our Lady of the Rosary in Her Sorrowful Mysteries Crowned, and Saint Anthony Mary Claret.

History

Founded in the second third of the 18th century in the current Parish of San Francisco and San Eulogio, and reorganized in San Pablo in 1918, where its current stage begins, becoming known in the 1940s as “The Students” due to its connection with the academic world.

In 1973 the Virgin of the Rosary was blessed, and a year later the Christ was carried by the first team of brother costaleros in the city. On October 31, 1993, Bishop Infantes Florido canonically crowned Our Lady of the Rosary, the first time this ceremony was held in the Mosque-Cathedral.

Temple

Royal Church of San Pablo. It is the largest church in the city and was founded by King Ferdinand III after the reconquest of the city, for a powerful order at the time—the Dominicans.

Currently a convent of the Claretian Fathers, it is divided into three large Gothic-style naves, to which chapels of rich taste and noble materials were later added.

The Images

Most Holy Christ of the Expiration

The image of the Most Holy Christ of the Expiration is an anonymous work from the late 17th century. It originally belonged to the Brotherhood of San Diego and San Acacio, established in San Francisco. There it was venerated until, in 1904, the bishopric approved its transfer to the Church of San Pablo, its current home.

During the French looting, the image suffered significant damage, hence several restorations took place throughout the 20th century.

It is a crucified Christ, depicted at the moment of His final breath—a scene of great drama and intensity. The treatment of the torso is of exceptional quality, slightly leaning forward as He takes His last breath, while His hips twist to the left.

The large-sized loincloth is tied on the right and shows great movement and detailed fabric treatment. The Lord lifts His face, slightly tilted to the left, looking toward Heaven while crying out: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Holy Mary of Silence

Accompanying the Lord, at the foot of the Cross, is the image of Holy Mary of Silence, an anonymous 17th-century work. It is a “candelero” type image, dressed with only the hands and face carved.

Her face, tilted to the right, shows an expression of contained sorrow. Rather than lifting her gaze to the Lord, she fixes her eyes on the foot of the Cross.

Our Lady of the Rosary in Her Sorrowful Mysteries Crowned

The image of Our Lady of the Rosary is the work of Seville sculptor Luis Álvarez Duarte, created around 1973. The Marian title was chosen in remembrance of the traditional Dominican devotion.

It is a “candelero” type image, with a childlike face and large eyes reddened by sorrow, from which four tears flow. Her slightly arched eyebrows frame a triangular frown, very common in the artist’s works.

With a pronounced chin, a small and distinctive dimple stands out. A rosary hangs from her left hand.

Nazarene Habit

Black tunic with train and black face covering, tied with a esparto belt.

Notable Insignias

• Processional Cross made of wood covered in tortoiseshell with corner fittings and finials by Díaz Roncero.
• Brotherhood banner embroidered in gold by Piedad Muñoz, mounted on a silver staff by Zamorano.
• Youth Guidon, in silver by Jesús Domínguez, topped with a Saint Raphael (1976).
• Simpecado designed by Friar Ricardo of Córdoba, with embroidery by Piedad Muñoz and 17th-century silks.
• Herald trumpets with gold-embroidered banners by Jesús Rosado on English velvet. Silver processional candlesticks by Zamorano and a processional cross with 18th-century embroidery.