World’s Biggest Monstrance Created in Reparation for Spanish War Leads Yearly Procession

During the annual Corpus Christi procession in Valencia, Spain, the traditional practice of making reparation takes on a deeply symbolic role. The monstrance used in the procession — created as an act of reparation for the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War — is the largest processional monstrance in the world. The Spanish Civil War raged from 1936 to 1939 and brought about the violent deaths of thousands of priests, nuns, and laypeople. Eleven have already been canonized, and well over 2,000 have been beatified. The cause is underway for another 2,000-plus. In April, the pope recognized the martyrdom of two more: one a priest, the other a father of 11. Victims of the brutality will likely continue to be recognized, bit by bit, for centuries to come. In addition to the many barbaric martyrdoms, the war also resulted in the loss of great religious and artistic treasures across the country. The monstrance used in Valencia’s Corpus Christi procession was among them. There are 159 sculptures adorning the monstrance used in the annual Corpus Christi procession in Valencia, Spain, including biblical scenes from the Old Testament up to the Good Shepherd and the risen Christ. The apostles and doctors of...