A rainy procession
Throughout Saturday, March 9, the rain has been the protagonist in the city of Barcelona. However, there was a truce precisely during the procession with the Crist de la Sang through the streets of Ciutat Vella.
The route of the procession
The procession followed the planned route, passing through the Basilica del Pi, Cardinal Casañas, the Rambla, Hospital to Plaça del Pedró, where the prayer was said. Afterwards, it returned through carre del Carme, la Rambla, Portaferrissa and Pi until ending, once again in Santa Maria del Pi, where the event closed.
The presidency of the celebration
Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, accompanied by auxiliary bishop Javier Vilanova, presided over the celebration. This has started with a mass in Santa Maria del Pi and has culminated with the procession of Christ of the Blood.
The tradition of praying for rain
Historically, in Barcelona, Sant Crist de la Sang has been the most recurring icon in requests for rain. Since the 16th century, numerous rogatives with this image have been documented. In times of greatest need, the Holy Christ used to be moved to the chapel of Santa Madrona de Montjuïc to search for the relics of the holy advocate of storms and, subsequently, transfer them to the cathedral for religious services.
An important image for the city
According to Jordi Sacasas, historian and curator of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, the Sant Crist de la Sang is a very relevant image for the city of Barcelona. It was used in times of greatest need, such as storms, droughts or even earthquakes.