The Christ of the Blood of Lucena: a sculpture with a miraculous history
In the town of Lucena, in Córdoba, a crucified Christ sculpture dating from the 17th century is venerated. Its history is directly linked to an extraordinary event that occurred during the Spanish Civil War, a story that has endured through generations 🕯️.
The episode that marked the devotion
According to the local inhabitants, in 1936 they tried to set fire to the image. However, the flames could not catch on the wood. Eyewitnesses reported that a reddish-colored sweat began to emanate from the sculpture, which many interpreted as blood. This event stopped those who wanted to destroy it and was considered a miraculous event.
Main characteristics of the sculpture:- It is a wooden sculpture representing Christ on the cross.
- Its origin dates back to the 17th century, within the Baroque period.
- The frustrated burning episode occurred in the context of the Civil War.
The blood sweat of the image consolidated an unshakable faith among the devotees.
A devotion that endures and spreads
Since that moment, numerous miracles have been attributed to the image, especially related to curing illnesses. Faith in the Christ of the Blood extends throughout the Córdoba Subbética region. Every year, its Holy Week procession is an act of great solemnity.
Key elements of its current worship:- The Brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of the Blood is in charge of organizing its worship and guarding the sculpture.
- The image permanently resides in the church of San Mateo in Lucena.
- The miracle story is passed down orally, forming part of the city's intangible heritage.
Between history and faith
Research on the era documents the context of destruction of religious objects during the conflict. However, the specific event in Lucena remains an element of faith for believers. The sculpture has required some restorations, but it is preserved as a powerful symbol of spiritual resistance for the community. Some might argue that the old wood was very humid, but the faithful prefer to believe in the miraculous, which adds a unique appeal to those who visit Lucena to admire this faith 👑.