Brotherhood of the Arrest

Processional Floats

Author: Pío Mollá Franch (Valencian School)
Date: 1927

Iconography: The group consists of five figures carved in polychrome wood. In the foreground stands Jesus, while Judas, at His left, kisses Him. Behind them, an armed soldier prepares to seize Him. At Christ’s back, Saint Peter, sword raised, lunges at the high priest’s servant, who lies on the ground.

History

The float was created in 1927 by the Valencian sculptor Pío Mollá Franch. It processed for the first time on Good Friday, April 16, 1927.

It consists of five life-sized figures: Christ, Judas, Saint Peter, a soldier, and a servant, making it one of the most complete floats in the Good Friday procession.

The brotherhood was established in 1952 at the Parish of San Pedro y San Felices and ceased activity in 1973. In 1985 it was re-founded at the Parish of San Martín de Porres. Members wear a white habit trimmed in black with a black scapular. The medal reproduces the staff of the Prior Brother, crafted by the Burgos silversmith Maese Calvo in the 1950s.

Due to deterioration over time, partial restoration of the most damaged figures (Saint Peter, the soldier, and the servant) was undertaken in 2004 and completed in March 2005, when further refinishing of Jesus and Judas was carried out to unify the ensemble. The restoration was performed by Fénix Conservación S.L.

Between 2007 and 2008, a new chassis was built for the float and the old lighting was replaced with halogen lights to enhance the restored figures.

The statutes were drafted and approved in 2007, when Mr. Jesús Ibáñez, parish priest of San Martín de Porres, served as Abbot.

In 2017, a new standard featuring the faces of Jesus and Judas was created by the Franciscan Conceptionist Sisters of San Luis (“Las Luisas”), replacing the previous one made by Sister Rosa Rodríguez, which depicted Jesus’ hands bound in chains.

Also in 2017, the brotherhood decided to donate 10% of its annual surplus to a charitable association or NGO. That same year, in order to bring the image closer to parishioners, the figures of the “Kiss of Judas” were removed from the float and displayed in the parish for veneration.

On the first Friday of each month at 8:30 p.m., Mass is celebrated for the intentions of members and the deceased. During Lent, the Way of the Cross is held every Friday, led by the brotherhood members.

The float processes on Good Friday in the Holy Burial Procession. The brotherhood also participates in other Holy Week processions and events, including Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Easter Sunday.