By Francisco Castillo
A SECLUDED CLOISTER WITH A RESTORED CEILING
One of the most significant open spaces in the Sanctuary’s interesting architectural ensemble is the rectangular cloister located on one side of the church. Eighteen segmental arches on rectangular pillars open onto a secluded paved courtyard. There, four large cypress trees, planted by the rector Rafael Zurita Jiménez, watch over the central well that opens onto the lower cistern with a cruciform floor plan. Many pilgrims, clinging to the delightful grillwork that clings to its rim, throw their alms and take photographs of themselves in such a unique enclave.
However, many years ago, one of the galleries was closed and the traditional transit that pilgrims used to do since the completion of the works in 1774 was interrupted. The passage of time had also seriously deteriorated the roof of the galleries, which were in serious danger in several sections.
For this reason, thanks to a grant from the Diputación Provincial de Almería and with the supervision of the Consejería de Cultura de la Junta de Andalucía, the architect Francisco Carrasco Pérez has directed the restoration of the roof. Using almost the same techniques as three hundred years ago, the master builder José León Jiménez Oller and his masons have restored the necessary security to once again walk through these ancient galleries.
OPENING ON THE SOLEMNITY OF Immaculate Conception
The beginning of the enjoyment of this old transit has been the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which, for the last four years, has been celebrated with great fervour at the top of the Roel. Moreover, every 8th December, the sacred image of Our Lady of the Forsaken of the Good Retreat of the Crowned Saliente is brought closer to the pilgrims because they can admire it without any glass in between.
During the Holy Mass, the Dean Mr. Antonio Jesús María Saldaña Martínez said: «I am very happy that today, when we venerate the opening of Mary Most Holy to the grace of God, the galleries of the cloister are once again open without any impediment whatsoever. I ask the Little Madonna that every pilgrim, as they walk through them with a prayerful heart, may remember that to live in God’s grace means to open oneself to true joy».
Before the final blessing, the sacred image descended from the shrine to inaugurate these galleries herself. The pilgrims, with lighted candles, sang the Lauretan Litany with incredible piety and were moved to admire so closely the delicate carving of the Little One.
THE SANCTUARY PREPARES FOR AN INTENSE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Although the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important events at the Shrine, the volunteer Natalia Carrillo Reche warns us that, «since the beginning of Advent we have been receiving many pilgrims and we try to offer them a welcome in accordance with this liturgical period which is so intense. After the spiritual retreat and the visit of the Bishop Emeritus, a new Rastro was opened, especially dedicated to reading. Many pilgrims are coming to our souvenir shop to prepare their Christmas gifts with our new products. Next weekend we will celebrate the procession of Saint Lucia and for Christmas we will inaugurate a temporary exhibition of a painter from Alboja».
The Clavario, Pedro Manuel López Navarro, added that «in spite of this calendar, restoration work continues in various areas and on various historical objects which are being carried out in workshops in Alboja. But, above all, it will be the restoration and ornamentation of the temple that will be most noticeable to pilgrims. In fact, from this Sunday, the liturgical celebrations will take place in another space and will continue to take place as normal. We trust in the generosity and help of the pilgrims, as we still need funding to finish all the pending details.
