The move of God Thursday

Every God Thursday, since the foundation of the Brotherhood named "Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo de Santa Clara la Real", at about midday, the venerable image carved by Francisco Salzillo in 1770, leaves the walls of the Convent of Santa Clara, heading the Church of San Bartolomé-Santa María from where, the day after, it will begin its journey on the procession of the Holy Burial. María Santísima de la Soledad ( anonymous engraved image from the 17th Century, titular image of the corresponding Brotherhood) is taken out to meet the image by Francisco Salzillo.

At noon, the two images meet each other. Right then, both sculptures are taken to the Church of San Bartolomé. It´s a brief, solemn and emotive transfer. The members of the Guild, dressed in dark colours as a token of bereavement, accompany both images, preceded by bands of drums as well as standards, acolytes, music bands, altar boys carrying the emblems of Passion, ladies in lace-mantillas, and representation from other institutions.

It is, probably, one of the most beautiful and impressive acts of the whole Holy Week; during the deed, the spectator, wrapped in the colour and flavour of the springtime in Murcia, can contemplate in the daylight two of the most emblematic and beloved images from the Murcian imaginery of all times.

The move ends when both thrones are gathered into the Church of San Bartolomé, with the applause and clapping of the people present. Every throne remains motionless and silent, but they seem to be alive, and every single visitor can almost listen the wood breathing, waiting anxiously for the procession to start.

It´s a privilege to attend the aforementioned move in Santo Domingo square (where the two images meet each other). It is also recommendable to watch how the image of Jesus Christ leaves from the orchard placed in the Convent of Santa Clara (located in the very centre of the city), where still remain some fruit trees that, newly sprouted in the early springtime, give a good testimony of a city and a period lost in time forever. The entrance of the image named "Nuestra Señora de la Soledad" into the Church of San Bartolomé is praise-worthy too.