World’s biggest monstrance leads yearly procession

Jun 15, 2024

By Rachel Thomas
The annual Corpus Christi procession in Valencia took place with a deep sense of tradition and symbolism, highlighting the historical significance of reparation. At the centre of this event is the world’s largest processional monstrance, created as an act of reparation for the atrocities committed during the Spanish Civil War.

The Spanish Civil War, which raged from 1936 to 1939, saw the violent deaths of thousands of priests, nuns, and laypeople. While 11 have been canonised, over 2,000 have been beatified, with causes for another 2,000-plus underway. In April, the Pope recognised the martyrdom of two more individuals — a priest and a father of 11 — reflecting ongoing efforts to honour the victims of this brutal period.

The war also led to the loss of significant religious and artistic treasures, including the original monstrance used in Valencia’s Corpus Christi procession. The procession, an ancient tradition dating back to 1355, had its first annual celebration in 1372, following Pope Urban IV’s declaration in 1264 to make the feast universal for the Church.

In the tumultuous post-war years, economic struggles loomed large. Yet, Jesuit priest Fr Antonio de León proposed to Archbishop Prudencio Melo the creation of a new monstrance. Despite initial doubts due to financial constraints, a symbolic donation of five silver coins from a labourer spurred the project forward. Valencian citizens, both poor and wealthy, contributed to the cause.

Completed in 1954, the new monstrance is a grand structure over 13 feet tall and 7 feet wide, composed of 1,300 pounds of silver, 18 pounds of gold, and hundreds of precious stones and pearls. Despite its opulence, Archbishop Melo named it the “Monstrance of the Poor,” acknowledging the modest contributions that made its creation possible. The monstrance is adorned with 159 sculptures, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and Eucharistic miracles, with the Virgin of the Forsaken, Valencia’s patroness, presiding over the entire structure.

Typically housed in the cathedral’s museum, the monstrance takes centre stage during the Corpus Christi procession, exemplifying the community’s devotion as it makes its way through Valencia’s streets. Carlos Sancho, a faithful participant since his youth, reminisced about the labourer’s coins embedded in the monstrance, symbolising that it could never be sold as the money would have to be returned to the donors.

The procession itself is a vivid catechesis, featuring figures representing virtue, biblical stories, saints, and significant religious symbols. A striking highlight is the group of elders from the Book of Revelation, carrying 35-pound candles and signalling the imminent arrival of Jesus. As vested priests and sacristans create a cloud of incense, flower petals rain down on the monstrance from balconies, welcoming Christ’s presence.

Last month, Pope Francis reflected on the 350th anniversary of Jesus’ apparitions to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, emphasising the importance of acts of reparation. He described reparation as a “beautiful practice,” vital for consoling wounded hearts, a sentiment echoed in the significance of Valencia’s monstrance.

While Spain suffered the unspeakable during its civil war, the Monstrance of the Poor is both a reparation to the heart of Christ and a consolation for those few who can remember how it came about and can still take their place to adore Jesus as He passes by each year in Valencia.--CNA