Under an overcast sky that respected the solemnity of the moment, the University Christ of Health traversed the Los Jerónimos Campus once again, in a procession full of symbolism, emotion and fervour. The statue, carried with military precision by members of the Infantry Regiment ‘Zaragoza nº 5’ of Parachutists, was accompanied by UCAM students, workers and authorities, led by its president, María Dolores García, and Colonel Enrique García del Castillo.

From the moment they left the baroque temple of the Monastery until they returned to it, every moment of the procession was enveloped in an atmosphere of respect and recollection. The solemn chords, the firm step of the soldiers, the cross on their shoulders and the silent crowd created a scene that, more than being seen, was felt. The procession, which has become one of the most eagerly awaited university traditions during Lent, is now an essential part of the soul of UCAM.

One of the most emotional moments took place during the Tribute to the Fallen, in front of the image of San Antonio, patron saint of the University; with the interpretation of ‘Death is not the end’ and the recitation of the ‘Oración Paracaidista’ (‘Prayer of the Paratrooper’); emotion hold of the Campus. It was there where the UCAM president and the colonel of the Regiment placed a wreath at the feet of the Virgin, in a gesture of unity between faith and service. 

The ceremony ended with the entrance into the Temple, to the sound of a saeta performed by José Cayuela, at which point another of the most moving moments of the day took place, when the parachutists presented Christ before the chapel in which the founder of the UCAM, José Luis Mendoza Pérez, rests. After this moment, the UCAM president and the head of the Regiment addressed the audience. 

In words of María Dolores García, ‘I want to thank God who has given us his Son Jesus Christ; we see him there, on the cross, giving his life for all of us, so that our love may have the fragrance of eternal life.’ For his part, Colonel Enrique García del Castillo highlighted the meaning of this procession: ‘It has been a simple and martial act, where we in the military have had the fortune to set foot in the University and share this space with the university staff. Essential values such as religion –for those who believe– our culture and our traditions must be preserved, because we are part of this great nation.’ He also stressed that this ceremony reinforces ‘the symbiosis that should exist between the different pillars of society.’

The procession is not only a religious manifestation but also a testimony of identity. The collaboration between the University and the Spanish Armed Forces highlights the mutual respect for history, values and beliefs that forge a cohesive community rooted in its convictions. Each year, this celebration reminds the academic community that Holy Week is not just a cultural tradition, but a spiritual experience that invites us to look beyond the calendar to the mystery at the heart of the Christian faith.