The Church of Santo Domingo in the port city hosted the moving proclamation of the centenary of the Agrupación del Santo Sepulcro, by María Dolores García, UCAM president, this Saturday. This event has been the commencement of the celebrations of the anniversary of the first association constituted in Cartagena, which will last until 2027.

In her speech, María Dolores García reflected on the deep symbolism of Holy Sepulchre, emphasising that, although the cross shows Christ's utmost humility and sacrifice, it is in the sepulchre where our hope lies. ‘The sepulchre is not the end, but the certainty of victory,’ with these words the president invited us to place our trust in the resurrection and the unconditional love of God, even in the darkest moments.

Francisco Pagán, president of the Marraja’s Brotherhood, highlighted the deep faith of the speaker, describing her speech as a sincere commitment to the message of Christ and full of love for her neighbour. Nieves Terry, president of the Agrupación del Santo Sepulcro, explained that ‘the brotherhood knew that she would be the perfect choice, not only because of her human qualities and her deep love for the faith, but also because she is closely linked to the city's tradition.’

Gonzalo Wandosell, UCAM dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business and herald of the Holy Week in Cartagena, introduced the president, who was accompanied at the event by a large representation of the university, including members of its Governing Council and the Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Throughout this centenary, the Agrupación del Santo Sepulcro will hold several events, including conferences and round tables with veterans. Tribute will also be paid to the founder Cleto Sanz Miralles, with the creation of a bust by the sculptor Juan José Quirós Illán. In this year's procession of the Holy Burial, the group will recover the statue of the ‘malditos,’ the mourning penitents who escorted the Recumbent, a symbol that will be restored on the occasion of this centenary.