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SANTO TORIBIO. Detalle de la escultura funeraria
The sacred relic of the Lignum Crucis, the largest known piece of the True Cross, has been worshipped perhaps since its arrival in the 8th century. However, it was not until the beginning of 16th century when, according to tradition, the Popes Julio II and Leon X definitely ratified the Jubilee, with plenary indulgence for the years in which St. Toribio's day falls on a Sunday (16 April), extending the grace to the following seven days. That is why La Puerta del Perdón (The Forgiveness Door) was built at the time and opens during the Jubilee's Year. The worship of this holy relic was truly outstanding all throughout the Baroque period, particulary during the Jubilee's years.
In 1967 the Pope Pablo VI extended that privilege to every day of the year and since then the afluence of pilgrims and public in general who attend this monastery on the Jubilee's years have been extraordinary.
Santa Cruz's Brotherhood was founded in 1181, pioneered by the Bishops of Leon, Burgos and Oviedo, perhaps to support economically the monastery, which was then in full decline.
Originally called Santo Toribio, the brotherhood took the name of Santa Cruz from the 16th century onwards due to the institution of the Jubilee and the importance the relic's cult was achieving. The date of celebration was fixed on 3 May in commemoration of the discovery of the Holy Cross.
Six active members of the brotherhood must attend the procession of the Lignum Crucis and carry the pallium and the sanctuary lamp of the company.
It is about an ancestral custom created by pious parishioners, perhaps as a consequence of a vow or a promise to the monastery.
In this custom two men from each village must come to the monastery of Santo Toribio, pary in the church and worship the True Cross on a fixed day of the week according to the turn ("La Vez") pre-established among all the villages in Liébana. They used to come without any breakfast, leaving thier villages at mignight, and walk, sometimes barefooted, all night long to reach the monastery at dawn.
This tradition is still kept and regulated by the town councils themselves and the monastery.
Todo el material de esta página está tomado del folleto "MONASTERIO DE SANTO TORIBIO DE LIÉBANA", editado por el MVSEO DIOCESANO de la DIÓCESIS DE SANTANDER.