At the Church of Saint Saviour, the solemnity of Our Lady of the Pillar, patroness of Spain and of the Guardia Civil, was celebrated. The celebration was presided over by the Vicar Custos, Br. Ulise Zarza, with the participation of friars, religious, Spanish diplomatic representatives, and faithful from the Spanish-speaking communities present in the Holy Land.
As is tradition, the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem, José Javier Gutiérrez Blanco-Navarrete, attended the Mass, accompanied by his wife Rebekah Kosinski. Also present were members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Spanish Guardia Civil, of whom the Virgin of the Pillar is patroness and protector. The consul was received at the church door and received the blessed water in his hands.
The Mass sought to renew the deep bond of faith that unites Spain and the Custody of the Holy Land, highlighting the spiritual and historical dimension of a relationship that spans centuries.
Since the Middle Ages, Spain has offered decisive support to the presence of the Friars Minor in the Holy Places. Kings, benefactors, and Spanish religious communities have contributed to the protection of the sanctuaries and the maintenance of the Custody’s activities, considering it an integral part of their Christian identity.
This bond has found expression in many forms, from the presence of Spanish friars in the convents of the Holy Land to material and diplomatic support ensuring the preservation of the places of faith. Even today, Spain continues to collaborate with the Custody through support projects and cultural exchanges that strengthen a living and fruitful connection.
In his homily, Br. Ulise recalled the profound meaning of the title "Our Lady of the Pillar", which presents Mary as the pillar of faith, the support of the Church, and a sign of hope for believers.
Tradition recounts that the Virgin appeared to the Apostle James to encourage him in his missionary work, offering him a pillar as a sign of strength and stability.
"Mary," Br. Zarza recalled, "is blessed not only for having carried Christ in her womb, but for having received the Word of God with faith and lived it with perseverance and love. It is in her trust that the Church finds support in moments of difficulty."
The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is also an occasion to renew the friendship between Spain and the Custody of the Holy Land. Over the centuries, this collaboration has made it possible to safeguard places of great spiritual value, such as Bethlehem, the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tomb of Mary, and to keep alive the Christian presence in the places of the Incarnation.
Francesco Guaraldi
