The city of La Laguna has a unique rhythm in September. Its streets, always vibrant, are adorned with devotion and memories. The 14th brings the solemnity of Christ, Lord of the city and the island, while the 15th embraces the tenderness of his Mother, the Virgin of Solitude. Two days, two celebrations, sharing a common heart that beats in unison with the faith of the people.
The Relationship Between Mother and Son
There is no son without a mother, nor a mother without a son. The Crucified of La Laguna cannot be understood without the discreet presence of she who first held him in her arms in Bethlehem and later at the foot of the cross. Moreover, the Virgin of Solitude, in her depth of silence, cannot be grasped without the face of the Son whom she loved to the utmost.
A Spiritual Centre
During these days, the Cathedral transforms into a grand home welcoming Christ. The Cathedral Chapter opens its doors and its soul to receive the Lord who blesses La Laguna. Here, faith manifests as celebration, tradition, and gathering. It serves as the spiritual hub reminding everyone that the cross remains a light amidst history.
Embracing the Maternal Presence
Yet, my gaze cannot linger there. From Santo Domingo, the parish prepares to welcome the Mother. The festival of Solitude, so close to Christ, echoes to complete the melody. While on the 14th we observe the glory of the cross, on the 15th we learn the depth of motherhood that accompanies, waits, and sustains.
The Essence of Devotion
Being a child is knowing one is loved. Hence, the devotion to the Christ of La Laguna emerges from a people who recognise being accompanied by the unconditional love of the Son of God, who bears our weaknesses and gifts us hope. The procession, the prayers, and the shared silences in the Cathedral are not empty rituals but assurances of closeness.
The Comfort of Motherhood
Being a mother means to safeguard, to nurture, and to accompany. This is expressed by the Virgin of Solitude, who becomes a refuge and solace for the people of La Laguna. She embodies the human heart that does not surrender, that does not abandon, and that stands firm even when life appears to shatter.
Unity in Faith
Christ and his Mother, inseparable in the faith of the Church, are likewise united in the celebrations of La Laguna. We cannot celebrate the Son without remembering the Mother; nor can we venerate the Mother without acknowledging the Son. Both are integral to the same love story that God wishes to write within our community.
A Month of Faith
Thus, September in La Laguna is more than a mere date on the calendar: it is a lesson of faith embodied in images, temples, and processions. It is a dialogue between Christ and Solitude, between the love that gives and the love that accompanies. During these days, the entire city learns anew how to be both a child and a mother.
Renewal of the Heart
May the hearts of the people of La Laguna be renewed as they venerate Christ and the Virgin. For to believe is to recognise oneself as a child of a God who yields, and to be embraced by a Mother who never abandons. Between the 14th and 15th, between Christ and Solitude, pulses the soul of our faith.
