Brotherhood of the Holy Column

Processional Floats

Author: Original by Diego de Siloé
Date: 1525

Iconography: Christ bound to a column stands alone, bearing the wounds of the scourging. The original sculpture by Diego de Siloé is preserved in the Cathedral.

Author: Fortunato Sotillo
Date: 1969

Iconography: A plain wooden cross holding the Holy Shroud draped across its arms.

History

In 1948, it became evident among the people of Burgos that the processions were somewhat outdated and that most of the floats, kept in the Cathedral, were distant from popular devotion. Holy Week in Burgos needed renewed impulse, as it was an opportunity to promote among the faithful a deeper love for the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord.

The Cathedral Chapter decided to distribute the floats among the various parishes, and discussions began with the Catholic Workers’ Circle for the transfer of a float. Thus emerged the idea of founding a Holy Week Brotherhood.

A group of young members of the Catholic Workers’ Circle of Burgos, driven by shared apostolic concerns and strong evangelical enthusiasm, together with the support of Father Francisco González de Mendoza, S.J., founded the Brotherhood of the Holy Column. The first governing board was composed of:

Abbot: Fr. Francisco González de Mendoza, S.J.
Prior: Mr. Valentín Sastre
Secretary: Mr. Ángel Nebreda Labarga
Treasurer: Mr. Ricardo Palacios Sanz
Materials Manager: Mr. Eliseo Andrés Muñoz

The Brotherhood was established in January 1949 as one of the penitential confraternities devoted to promoting devotion to the mysteries of the Passion, Death, and Burial of the Lord. Initially called “The Brotherhood of the Circle,” it soon adopted the name “Brotherhood of the Holy Column” in 1953. It assumed responsibility for the float of Jesus Bound to the Column, a work by Diego de Siloé from the early 16th century, establishing its headquarters in the Church of La Merced.

For many years, the Brotherhood processed this image and proudly carried what was considered the most valuable piece in the Burgos processions. The image was collected from the Cathedral before Holy Week and returned afterward.

In 1969, the float of the Holy Shroud, carved by the Burgos sculptor Fortunato Sotillo, was added to the procession. In 1992, due to conservation concerns regarding the Siloé sculpture, the Cathedral Chapter advised against processing it. That year, an Ecce Homo image was used instead. As there was no certainty that Siloé’s sculpture could process again, the Brotherhood decided to commission a replica of Jesus Bound to the Column. This change was perhaps the most emotional moment in the Brotherhood’s history, as Burgos was deprived of venerating directly the legacy of Diego de Siloé.

The Brotherhood adopted white and green as its colors—symbols of peace and hope: peace for workers and hope in God’s justice and mercy. The habit consists of a white tunic and conical hood, green cape and sash fastened at the left side, black shoes, white gloves, and the emblem on the left side of the cape.

Inspired by their commitment, the members created their own procession in the form of the Workers’ Penitential Rosary. First envisioned as a joint event with other Brotherhoods, it was ultimately organized independently. The public response was remarkable, and it has since become one of the most widely attended events of Holy Week, celebrated from 1961 onward on Tuesday instead of Monday.

Looking to the future, the Brotherhood seeks to strengthen its membership and preserve its penitential spirit, guided by solidarity, concern for the poor, fraternity, and sincere love for Christ.