Canonical Coronation Our Lady and Mother of Solitude, Marchena

The Canonical Coronation of Our Lady and Mother of Solitude in the town of Marchena has marked a historic moment, both for the devout community and the tradition surrounding the image of the Sorrowful, a masterpiece from the 16th century, created by Gaspar del Águila in 1574. This event not only highlighted the sacred art and cultural roots of Marchena but also rekindled the spirit of unity that defines this Andalusian town, where faith and history are intertwined with unwavering strength.

The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Seville, Monseñor José Ángel Saiz Meneses, who, with great solemnity, crowned the Virgin in front of approximately a thousand people gathered in Plaza Ducal (Dukes Square). The act reflected Marchena’s deep devotion to its beloved “Virgen cernicalera” as she is affectionately known (cernícalo is a kestrel, a species of hawk that lives or lived in the tower of the church of Santa María de la Mota). However, the coronation was more than a religious honor; it also marked the beginning of an extraordinary procession that lasted for 11 and a half hours, from the last light of day until dawn, covering the town’s streets in an unprecedented display of fervor. If we count the time from the Virgin’s departure at 6:00 PM from her church, Santa María de la Mota, until her return at 10:00 AM the following morning, the total duration was a remarkable 16 hours.

One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the Archbishop’s call for a “crown of personal conversion.” In his homily, Saiz Meneses emphasized the importance of accompanying the material act of the coronation with spiritual transformation. “The crown of our prayer, humility, and life in service,” he said, evoking a deep connection between Marian devotion and the daily lives of the faithful.

In addition to its religious significance, the coronation had an important social purpose. Part of the efforts focused on the renovation of the Church House, a space dedicated to catechesis and Cáritas
Non-Governmental Organization, underlining the community’s commitment to serving the most in need. The social project tied to the coronation is a testament to how religious devotion in Marchena has always been connected to acts of solidarity.

The event was also imbued with rich symbolism that transcended religion. The tradition of the “moleeras,” which involves prolonging the Virgin’s return to her temple during the procession, was revived with great force. These customs, which reflect the people’s desire to extend their time with the sacred image, exemplify the popular devotion that has characterized Marchena for centuries. “Until the people wish,” is a saying, reminding us that, in this corner of Andalusia, time is dictated by faith and devotion. The origin of this tradition comes from the fact that the Virgin of Solitude belonged to the Dukes of Arcos, the lords of Marchena, and remained hidden in the Dukes’ Palace throughout the year. Therefore, the townspeople could only see her during Holy Week when she processed through the streets, so they tried to delay her return by singing saetas.

The decorative environment of Plaza Ducal was another highlight of the day. Inspired by the historical grandeur of the Ducal Palace, the coronation setting featured a life-sized reproduction of the baroque fountain that once occupied the palace’s courtyard. This reconstruction, created by local artist José Antonio Montes Baena, served as the plaza’s focal point, which was further enhanced with 52 monumental planters filled with pine trees and aromatic plants, evoking the palace’s ancient gardens. From the main balcony, four heraldic banners were displayed with the coats of arms of the Archbishop presiding over the coronation, the godfather His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, the godmothers Discalced Franciscan Sisters (from the Santa María Convent), and the House of Ponce de León (Dukes of Arcos). All of this contributed to creating an atmosphere of grandeur and solemnity befitting the occasion.

The procession, which began at 10:30 PM, was a spectacle of devotion and civic participation. Among the attendees were representatives from various brotherhoods from Seville province and other Andalusian regions, each carrying their banners and symbols of faith. Around 150 costaleros took turns under the Virgin’s canopy float, while the Banda de la Cruz Roja de Sevilla provided an unmatched musical accompaniment, with special mention to the hymn composed for the occasion, “Madre en el cielo, Señora en la tierra” by composer Luis Manuel Mejías Navarro, and “Soledad, saeta carcelera,” written by young local musician Natalia Martín. Throughout the procession, petals were showered and saetas were sung, blending fervor and tradition in a way that showcased the deep connection between music and spirituality in this land.

During the procession, the Virgin’s canopy float visited each of the different churches and brotherhoods in the town. One of the most moving moments of the night was the meeting between the Virgin of Solitude and Our Lady of Hope Crowned in the chapel of Santa Veracruz. “Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Coronada” is the other crowned Virgin of Marchena, having been crowned 20 years earlier. Other visits included the Virgin of the Rosary, the Sacred Christ of San Pedro, the Virgin of Sorrows in Santo Domingo, the Borriquita and Virgin of the Palm in San Agustín, Jesus Nazareno, the Virgin of Tears, St. John the Evangelist, and the Virgin of the Remedies at the Jesús Nazareno Brotherhood house, the Lord of Humility and Patience, the Virgin of Sorrows, and the Miraculous Virgin Brotherhood in Santa Clara, the Sweet Name of Jesus and the Virgin of Piety in San Sebastián, with a special projection of the Rocío Brotherhood, and the Divine Shepherdess in San Juan.

This intersection of devotions marked a milestone in the procession, stirring deep emotions among the attendees and strengthening the bonds between local brotherhoods. In every street, at every corner, the weight of history and the strength of a devotion passed down from generation to generation were palpable.

The event resonated not only within the local community but also nationally. The presence of civil, military, and religious authorities, including Marchena’s Mayor María del Mar Romero Aguilar and other local government representatives, emphasized the institutional importance of this event, which marks a turning point in the history of the Brotherhood of the Holy Burial of Christ, Triumph of the Holy Cross, and Our Lady and Mother of Solitude Crowned, as she will be known from now on.

The coronation of the Virgin also served as a reminder of the rich traditions surrounding this sacred image. Over the centuries, the Virgin of Solitude has been the subject of numerous extraordinary outings, such as those in 1976, 1992, 2013, and 2016, always linked to moments of special significance for the brotherhood. The Canonical Coronation of 2024 undoubtedly joins this list of unforgettable events, solidifying the image’s place in the heart of Marchena. A coronation that had been planned since the 1990s but was delayed due to various setbacks.

I must mention the crown itself, crafted by the Sevillian silversmith Palomino in the 19th century, made of silver gilded in gold, and enriched by the Toisón silversmiths, Jesús García de Soto and Lucío Rodríguez, with donations from brotherhood members, including more than 2,000 topazes. This crown is a jewel worthy of the Queen of Marchena, a work of art symbolizing the town’s devotion to its Virgin. On the day of its bestowal, it was received with applause, tears, and fireworks.

In conclusion, the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady and Mother of Solitude was much more than a religious event. It was a celebration of history, art, tradition, and above all, faith. A public manifestation of love and respect for a figure that, beyond the centuries, remains at the center of Marchena’s spiritual life.

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