Last Friday, 12th July, the parish community of Espíritu Santo in Granada celebrated the blessing of their new altarpiece, a work rich in spiritual symbolism. The Eucharist was presided over by the Archbishop of Granada, Monsignor José María Gil Tamayo, concelebrated by several priests, including the parish priest Juan Jesús Gea, cmf. Numerous faithful took part in this festive and meaningful celebration for parish life.
The new altarpiece, crafted by Talleres de Arte Granda, depicts the scene of Pentecost. The Virgin Mary appears at the centre, as the Mother who unites the disciples, following the words of Jesus who commanded them to remain in Jerusalem until they received the power from on high. Alongside her, the apostles and several women receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Each figure symbolically represents one of the gifts of the Spirit. On one hand, the seven traditional gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. On the other, the charisms described by St Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians: faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. The scene not only illustrates a biblical moment but conveys the vitality of the Church, enlivened by the Spirit and enriched with its gifts.
Moreover, the altarpiece is filled with symbolic elements deeply connected to the Holy Spirit:
– The light, radiating from above and from the tabernacle, as a sign of divine presence.
– The wind, suggested by the flowing mantles, alluding to the invisible breath of the Spirit.
– The water, represented by two waves breaking into the scene, recalling baptism and the living water.
– The fire, visible in the tongues resting upon the figures, the quintessential symbol of Pentecost.
A further step on the community’s journey
The blessing of the altarpiece marks a new milestone in the parish’s life. From the beginning of construction in 2015 to its completion, the parish community, accompanied by the Claretian Missionaries, has kept alive the celebration of faith, community life, and pastoral commitment. It is a visible sign of the spiritual growth of a living community, open to the Spirit and inspired by the missionary charism of St Anthony Mary Claret. The light of Pentecost continues to burn brightly in Granada.
