Holy Wednesday at the Pillar of the Flagellation | Custodia Terrae Sanctae

Holy Wednesday at the Pillar of the Flagellation

On Holy Wednesday, the rite of veneration of the column took place in the Franciscan Chapel of the Holy Sacrament at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. Tradition considers this column as the one used for Christ's Flagellation.

This tradition was reported by the pilgrim Egeria in the fourth century, who mentioned it in her diary. She explained that at the time the veneration was held at dawn on Friday in the Upper Room. The column was transferred to the Holy Sepulcher in the fourteenth century.

The liturgy was presided over by the Vicar of the Custody, Fr. Dobromir Jasztal. The Franciscans sang the hymn Salve Columna Nobilis, saluting the column on which Christ's blood flowed. This hymn is recited daily at the Franciscan procession that goes through the basilica.

The friars and pilgrims were invited to embrace the column.

Rosa, an Italian pilgrim said she comes almost every year: “I try to come to Jerusalem every year for Easter week; I feel so good here!”

The days preceding the Easter Triduum are intense, filled with prayers and celebrations. The pilgrims present in Jerusalem during this time can attend many services which are held once a year, in the same places where Christ's Passion took place.