HISTORY
The history of the miracles of the Holy Christ of Agony of Limpias dates back to 1700, and since then, more than eight thousand testimonies have certified the manifestations of the Christ of Limpias.
The first miraculous occurrences known of the statue date back to around 1700. The carving of the Crucified Christ was housed in the Church of the Franciscan Fathers in Cádiz. Following severe flooding, it was taken out in a supplicatory procession to the point where the waters were on the verge of overflowing, causing the waters to halt and recede.
HISTORY
The history of the miracles of the Holy Christ of Agony of Limpias dates back to 1700, and since then, more than eight thousand testimonies have certified the manifestations of the Christ of Limpias.
The first miraculous occurrences known of the statue date back to around 1700. The carving of the Crucified Christ was housed in the Church of the Franciscan Fathers in Cádiz. Following severe flooding, it was taken out in a supplicatory procession to the point where the waters were on the verge of overflowing, causing the waters to halt and recede.
In 1776, the image of the Christ, in a “Summary of Indulgences and Privileges,” was granted by the Pope to the high altar of the San Pedro Church at the request of Don Diego de la Piedra.
The image of the Christ is life-sized. It measures 1.80 metres in height and is placed on a cross of 2.30 metres in height. On either side of the Christ, there are two other statues: The Virgin Mother of Sorrows and Saint John the Baptist, the Evangelist.
From 30 March 1919, the news spread that extraordinary miracles were occurring in Limpias. It was said that the image of the Blessed Christ moved its eyes, and that its body appeared to be alive, that it paled, bled, and sweated. The name of Limpias became famous worldwide, with pilgrims arriving from all corners of the globe.
During Holy Week of 1919, some girls who were praying interrupted the Mass and ran out, terrified, claiming that the Holy Christ of Agony had moved its eyes and looked at them. Days later, on 12 April, the miracle occurred again, and several people indicated that the Christ had looked at them. The Reverend Fathers were speechless upon witnessing the truth of the miracle themselves.
The news spread, and pilgrimages from all over began arriving in the town of Limpias. Newspapers, filled with detailed accounts of the events, flooded the press both in Spain and abroad. By 1921, the number of pilgrims had grown to such an extent that it surpassed the number of visitors to the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Church dignitaries from Spain, such as bishops, cardinals, and archbishops from nations such as Mexico, Peru, and Cuba, visited the Sanctuary of the Blessed Christ of Agony.
The manifestations of the Holy Christ were not the only miracles; there have also been testimonies of many healings. These healings occurred when pilgrims returned home and came into contact with objects that had touched the crucifix. The Bishop of Santander introduced the canonical process on 20 July 1920. One year and one day later, plenary indulgences for a period of 7 years were granted to all those faithful who visited the Holy Crucifix.
The story of the miracles continues to this day, with the devotion to the Holy Christ of Agony continuing to attract both believers and the curious to Limpias over the years. Some say they see nothing, while others claim to have been blessed with a look from the Holy Christ.
Regardless, all of these events and manifestations had a historical impact and created a worldwide influence, drawing visitors of many nationalities.
