SANTA CRUZ: Hermandad y Devoción
Participating in one of Seville’s most iconic celebrations, Semana Santa, the brotherhood (or Hermandad) of Santa Cruz is perhaps one of its most striking. Its solemn, incredibly restrained procession stands apart from the rest. Dressed in black tunics, grasping rosaries along the journey, the brothers of Santa Cruz partake in a devoted state of penitence every Holy Tuesday. A brotherhood is not only an organization tied to the Catholic Church for the purpose of processioning during Holy Week in Seville. It is also a devoted and committed group of men and women that have sworn to dedicate time to sharing, giving, and becoming better citizens each day through work. One of the many devotees is Daniel Esteban, a first year college student who joined the brotherhood when he turned fourteen.
“It is an honor for me to be part of Santa Cruz. I joined the brotherhood when I was very young as a family tradition. I have dedicated many years to helping others through the mission of Santa Cruz. The least we can do is share our blessings and give back to our community,” explained Daniel.
Alvaro Ortega has been a brother of Santa Cruz for forty years and to him, it is more than just being part of a brotherhood.
“Santa Cruz is a life mission. To me it is part of living, it’s giving purpose to life and giving meaning to being part of this millennial tradition that has given us back so many lessons of living with spirituality through life.”
As Palm Sunday approaches, the brotherhood of Santa Cruz hosts special masses for those looking for comfort and guidance. A non-profit, the brotherhood and the church it resides in stay afloat only off generous donations.
According to one of its most important brothers, Juan Manuel Pareja, “Santa Cruz is more than a brotherhood. It is a commitment to our community. We are a fountain of love, giving and spirituality. We have a great responsibility with our community to give back following the teachings of Jesus and sharing with others the importance of uniting through service and the word of God.”
