The event will take place at 7:00 PM at the Andalusian Tourism Auditorium, located at Calle Compañía, 40, with limited capacity and musical accompaniment by the Málaga Municipal Band.
This cross commemorates the 50th anniversary of the carving of the Lord of the Steps on Mount Calvary, a work created in 1977. Its value lies not only in its artistic merit but also in its unique feature: it incorporates an authentic relic from Mount Calvary—Golgotha, the hill in Jerusalem where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified. This relic was donated by the Franciscans who guard the Holy Places.
The creation of the work is the result of collaboration among five artists, under the conceptual direction of an artistic advisor to the brotherhood, who conceived the cross with a tree-like shape to evoke the tree of life. The carving was executed by a renowned artisan, the silversmithing by another expert, the painting by a prominent artist, and the imagery by a sculptor.
The same painter is also the author of the 50th-anniversary poster, reprising his role as illustrator for a major cofradía event, having previously created the poster for the canonical coronation of the Virgen del Rocío. Both pieces will be presented during the ceremony by two recognized figures in the Málaga brotherhood community.
“"The itinerary that 'The Cross of the World' will follow after its presentation is as ambitious as its name suggests."
The brotherhood plans to travel to Rome between April 30 and May 3, where on May 2, the cross will be blessed in the Basilica of Montserrat. During this visit, the blessing of a painting of Saint Francis of Paola is also scheduled, and, if arrangements are confirmed, a possible audience with Pope Leo XIV.
After Rome, the pilgrimage will continue to Santiago de Compostela, then proceed through Seville—in recognition of the brotherhood's ties with the Order of the Minims—and return to Málaga. In the Andalusian city, it will be received at the Holy Cathedral Church, the Basilica of La Victoria, and the Parish of San Lázaro, carried on the shoulders of the youngest members. Subsequently, it will continue touring temples in the province and other locations in Spain and around the world as a missionary cross, accumulating new relics in its reliquary.
The brotherhood has also organized a raffle among its members for a trip for two to Rome to attend the blessing ceremonies.
With these activities, the Brotherhood of Rocío begins a jubilee year that will extend until 2027, featuring numerous commemorations that its members describe as one of the most exciting moments in their recent history in terms of heritage and devotion.
