23/03/2012 | 00:00      01/04/2012 | 00:00
Sorrento | Sorrento
Semana Santa: Eastern in Sorrento



 

During Easter, ancient, sacred rites are renewed throughout the Sorrento peninsula, a sign of a centuries-old faith collectively perceived and much felt, as well as of Catholic values which on the peninsula have origins and roots as old as Catholicism itself.

Good Friday is a day of suffering for the Catholics, for it remembers the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary. The meaning of the Passion of Christ is plainly visible in the numerous hooded processions performed in all towns of the Sorrento peninsula.
Arranged by the lay orders, they involve thousands of people in heartfelt and moving participation in the event they represent. These processions are of ancient origin, dating back to the sacred representations of Mediaeval times and from the old penitential processions of Maundy Thursday during which members of the religious brotherhoods, dressed in robes and carrying lighted torches, wandered between the various Churches in adoration of the Holy Eucharist.

 

 

Easter Time in the Sorrento Peninsula

This tradition is still followed today, for example, by processions in Piano di Sorrento and Meta, held right after «Coena Domini» Mass, that tour the various Sepulchres.
All the processions have an identical process in common regarding the symbolic objects carried by participants: the style of their robes - differing only in colour depending on the brotherhood, with preference given to white for the processions held at dawn on Good Friday and black for those held later that evening. In addition, the poignant chorus of the Miserere, with the musical band at the head of the processional cortège performing the famous funeral march from Chopin’s Opus 35.


The current day processions recall those in Spain, influenced by the Spanish viceroys that reigned over Naples at the end of the 1600s and who, mostly via the Jesuits, numerous on the peninsula at the time, worked to disseminate this penitential rite typical of the Spanish Counter-Reformation. Crosses, the hammer and nails, the crown of thorns, bloodstained whips, the sponge soaked in vinegar, the Veil of Veronica, spears, dice, the cockerel, objects reminiscent of the Passion and Death of Christ known as the “martiri”, alternate in the sombre light of torches and lamps, creating an unnerving atmosphere of remembrance and mysticism in the silent crowd of spectators. In the morning the statue of the Madonna is borne in procession, representing the Mother searching for her Son.

In the evening, Our Lady of Sorrows, mourning the end of her Son’s life on earth, is accompanied by an effigy of the Dead Christ. Around thirty processions are held in the peninsula. To discuss all of them would be lengthy and tedious. The best known in Sorrento are: the “White Procession” held in the early hours of Good Friday, organized by the Archbrotherhood of Santa Monica from the Church of the Annunziata and the "Black Procession" of the Archbrotherhood of the Servi di Maria held in the evening. Also fascinating are those of Vico Equense, with the hooded procession in purple robes organized by the Archbrotherhood of the Assunta, the procession organized by the Holy Trinity of Piano di Sorrento in red, and the “Black Procession” of the Archbrotherhood della Morte e Orazione, also in Piano di Sorrento. All the processions, however, have their own charm, highlighting a moment of faith, albeit an exterior demonstration, combined with the culture typical of our local area.

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Marina Grande
80067 Sorrento()
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  During Easter, ancient, sacred rites are renewed throughout the Sorrento peninsula, a sign of a centuries-old faith collectively perceived and much felt, as well as of Catholic values which on the peninsula have origins and roots as old as Catholicism itself. Good Friday is a day of suffering for the Catholics, for it remembers the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary. The meaning of the Passion of Christ is plainly visible in the numerous hooded processions performed in all towns of th Mar 23 , | 00:00 Apr 01 , | 00:00
Sorrento, Marina Grande() Sorrento, 80067
Latitude: 40 deg 37 min 48 sec N Longitude: 14 deg 22 min 12 dec W
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