High Priests for Malaga Presented

On 5 April, the Brotherhood of the Supper presented four 70 centimetre carvings by the sculptor Alberto Pérez Rojas, which enrich the throne of Christ. These images represent the four high priests who appear in the Old Testament and symbolise four visions of the Christian priesthood.

The journalist and cofrade Santiago Souvirón was in charge of presenting the four carvings, which will be seated in a seated position in each of the corners of the throne, above the cartouches. Made of stewed and polychrome cedar wood, these images have a high symbolic value, not only for the characters they represent, but also for the elements that accompany them.

Thus, these four Old Testament priests are clothed in the robes of a High Priest, with the 12-stone breastplate, fastened with chains, an overtunic with bells and a mitre.

The priests are Melchizedek, Aaron, Eleazar and Zadok and represent the priesthood in its sacramental, institutional, militant and ritual aspects, as well as prefiguring Jesus Christ as priest.

Melchisedek is best known as the Priest-King of Salem and represents the sacramental part of the priesthood. In fact, in the rite of ordination it is said to the ordaining priest: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech ("You are consecrated priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec"). As attributes, a chalice and a paten with bread are shown, reminiscent of the offering of bread in the Eucharistic sacrifice.

Aaron is the brother of Moses and symbolises the institutional side of the priesthood, as he is the first High Priest of Israel. As an attribute, he carries a censer as a reminder that the function of the priesthood is to provide the service of the altar.

Eleazar is the second son of Aaron who played a special role in the religious and political-military aspect of Israel. His attribute is a spear. Zadok was the High Priest who anointed Solomon as King and his attribute is a vial of holy oil.