The Arrest

Salesian Brotherhood and Nazarene Confraternity of Our Father Jesus, Divine Savior, in His Arrest, Our Lady of Piety and Saint John Bosco.

History

Founded in 1952 in the church of Mary Help of Christians by members of the Association of Former Salesian Students and by a group of confraternity members, with the collaboration of the then school principal, D. José Ruiz Olmo. Initially, a quote was requested from the renowned Sevillian sculptor Antonio Castillo Lastrucci for the creation of the 13 figures representing the Last Supper, but due to the high cost, they opted to commission the Arrest scene from the Cordoban sculptor Antonio Castillo Ariza.

The first penitential procession took place on Holy Tuesday of 1953. In 1959, the image of Our Lady of Piety was blessed and incorporated into the procession that same year. In 1990, the image of the Lord was replaced with the current sculpture.

Temple

The Church of Mary Help of Christians is located in the quintessential brotherhood district. Situated between San Lorenzo and Santa María de Gracia, it belongs to the school founded in the early 20th century by the Salesians upon their arrival in the city.

With a single nave, the main altarpiece stands out, presided over by the image of Mary Help of Christians, who goes out in procession through the neighborhood streets every May. The church, annexed to the school on one side, features typical decoration of this period, with the confraternity’s images placed on a small altar next to the entrance.

The Sacred Images

Our Father Jesus, Divine Savior, in His Arrest

The image of Our Father Jesus in His Arrest is the work of Antonio Dubé de Luque, made in 1990, replacing the previous one by Antonio Castillo Ariza, dated 1955.

The scene depicts the moment when Jesus, who was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, is arrested by a group of temple guards led by Judas himself.

Leading the scene, on one side, is a lictor dressed in a short skirt, holding the rope that binds the Lord’s hands, and on the other side, a Roman soldier in a short skirt, armor, cape, and a helmet adorned with a thick white plume. Between them, Jesus appears captured and submissive to His fate. Behind Him, a second Roman in similar attire.

In the background, observing the event, are the apostles Peter, James, and John, works by the Cordoban artist Antonio Bernal. Saint Peter, who cut off the servant of the High Priest’s ear, is shown wielding a sword. With his back to the scene, next to the olive tree, Judas repents for his betrayal.

The Lord is depicted standing, hands bound in front, wearing a plain burgundy tunic with a gold-threaded cord at the neck. His thick hair and full beard frame a dark-skinned face with strong features that convey submission and humility.

Our Lady of Piety

The image of Our Lady of Piety is the work of Cordoban sculptor Juan Martínez Cerrillo, created around 1958. It is one of his most acclaimed sorrowful Virgins, although it has undergone numerous restorations that have significantly altered its original appearance.

Despite this, it remains a sorrowful Virgin known for her sweet and expressive face, enjoying great popularity and devotion in her neighborhood.

Nazarene Habit

White tunic, blue hood and cape, with a white and blue cincture.

Notable Insignias

• Guide Cross in mahogany with marble appliqués, by Rafael Valverde (1958).
• Flag of the Former Salesian Students, embroidered in silk.
• Confraternity banner, with fine gold embroidery and design by Antonio Muñoz (1995).
• Senatus made of silver-plated alpaca by Luis Jiménez (1996).
• Youth pennant, designed and embroidered in gold by Pérez Artés (1999).