15.3. - DECIPHERING THE TRADITION OF THE PATRONESS OF SEVILLE

In the rich tradition of this Spanish city, stories, legends, and beliefs have been woven over the centuries around various revered figures as patrons. From the Virgin of Hiniesta to the Virgin of the Kings, each has its own history and devotion deeply rooted in the community. But which one is the true patroness of Seville?

To shed light on this enigma, it's crucial to delve into history and trace the origins of the Christian community in Seville. Historical records from the Parish Church of San Vicente reveal fascinating details that help us better understand this intricate tradition.

Centuries ago, the apostle James set out from Rome to Spain, arriving in Seville to begin his evangelizing mission. Here, he established a small group of believers and appointed a pious man named Pius as his bishop. Pius, a skilled sculptor by profession, born in Massia, became a spiritual leader in the nascent Christian community of Seville.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn when James and Pius venture north to Zaragoza to continue their evangelizing mission. In a moment of despair, the Virgin Mary appears to both of them, standing on a stone column in a vision that would change the course of history. This revelation inspired James to entrust Pius with the creation of an image that would represent the Virgin Mary as they had seen her. This image, crafted from baked clay by the skilled sculptor, became the first representation of the Virgin in Seville and was placed in the city's first Christian church, which was likely located on Fray Isidoro Street.

Over the centuries, the image of the Virgin of the Pillar, the patroness of Seville, was transferred to the Basilica of San Vicente. However, during the Arab occupation in 711, this revered image disappeared, and its fate remains uncertain to this day.

Following the Reconquista of Seville by King San Fernando, the cathedral was erected, and a new image of Our Lady, called Santa Maria de la Sede, became the patroness of the episcopal see. Justa and Rufina, two Sevillian martyrs, were designated as co-patrons of Seville during that time.

In the 17th century, the story takes another turn with the discovery of an image in the Kingdom of Aragon, which was later identified as Our Lady of Hiniesta. This image was honored by the Seville City Council, becoming the patroness of the Municipal Corporation.

Finally, in the 20th century, Cardinal Don Pedro Segura y Sáenz designated the Virgin of the Kings as the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Seville, distinguishing her from the city's patroness.

So, in summary, the rich tradition of Seville presents us with multiple patronesses, each with its own history and devotion. The Virgin of the Pillar is the patroness of the city, accompanied by the holy martyrs Justa and Rufina. The Virgin of Hiniesta is the patroness of the Municipal Corporation, while Our Lady of the Sede presides over the cathedral. Finally, Our Lady of the Kings is the patroness of the Archdiocese of Seville.

In Seville, faith and devotion to these revered figures have forged a tradition that remains alive and continues to enrich itself over time. Each of these images is a beacon of hope and spirituality for the Sevillians, a testament to their deep connection to their history and faith.