The President of the Parliament of Andalusia, Ana Mestre, has carried out an institutional visit to the Hermandad de la Macarena in Seville, where she was received by her senior brother, Fernando Fernández Cabezuelo, and has highlighted the social work carried out by this organization.
As the Parliament of Andalusia has indicated in an information note, during the visit Ana Mestre accessed the interior of the basilica and the camarin of María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena. Subsequently, she affixed her signature in the Brotherhood’s Book of Honor and held an institutional meeting at the brotherhood’s museum.
"La Macarena is part of the history of Seville and the memory of many Andalusian families. This visit allows us to recognize the work of those who care for that heritage and keep alive a tradition that they have received from previous generations," the President of the Parliament of Andalusia stated.
During the visit, the historical link between the brotherhood and the former Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, currently the headquarters of the Parliament of Andalusia, was also recalled. Around 1761, the confraternity moved provisionally to the church of that hospital while works were carried out on its chapel in the parish of San Gil.
Ana Mestre especially emphasized the social dimension of the brotherhood, which drives the Casa de la Esperanza. This project includes the fitting out of a space of 800 square meters in the area surrounding the basilica to launch, among other actions, social and educational inclusion programs, support for older people, and health care.
"I want to thank the brotherhood for its welcome and to recognize the commitment of those who dedicate their time to accompanying people who go through difficulties. This work, which is carried out throughout the year, is an essential part of what La Macarena brings to Seville and Andalusia," Ana Mestre concluded.