The feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Spanish national holiday, linked to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus and the consequent influence of the Spanish language and culture on the American continent, are celebrated on 12 October. Every year, around this date, the Custody of the Holy Land organizes a Eucharistic celebration to underscore its close historical and spiritual bond with Spain. It is a tribute by the Custody to the four nations that have given it the most support over its history: in addition to Spain, there are also Italy, France and Belgium.
The Mass at St Saviour’s
This year, a Solemn Mass was celebrated in St Saviour’s church, in Jerusalem, on Sunday 13 October. Documents indicate that pilgrims and Spanish communities took part in the liturgies and acts of faith organized by the Custody in honour of the Virgin Mary of the Pillar as early as the 17th century. The Mass was presided over by Fra Silvio De La Fuente, discreet of the Holy Land for the Spanish language and superior of the convent of Bethphage. The Spanish –speaking friars of the Custody concelebrated.
As tradition has it, the Mass was attended by the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem, José Javier Gutiérrez Blanco-Navarrete, who has been in this role for only a few months, and he was accompanied by his wife Rebekah Kosinski. Members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Spanish Guardia Civil, of which the Virgin Mary of the Pillar is the patron saint and protector, also took part in the Mass. The consul was received on the door of the church and received the holy water in his hands. During the celebration he was incensed after the Offertory. The Spanish national anthem was played at the end of the Mass.
An ancient friendship
“Franciscan friars have been present in these holy places since the 13th century and Spain has played a fundamental role in supporting their mission,” Fra Silvio emphasized in his homily. “The Crown of Spain has always felt the duty to support, look after and maintain the Holy Places, establishing agreements and providing resources to guarantee the Franciscan presence and the protection of the shrines.” In the past, Spain made a significant contribution to acquiring and keeping up emblematic places such as Bethlehem, the Holy Sepulchre and Mary’s Tomb. “The devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar inspires us to strengthen our bonds of faith and friendship and work together for peace and justice in this Holy Land which is in such great need of reconciliation.” The Custody of the Holy Land also pays tribute to Spain every year on the birthday of the King’s birthday, celebrating a Mass in his honour in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
Marinella Bandini
