Centuries-Old Hymn to the Virgen del Pilar Resounds in Ciudad Rodrigo
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A deeply resonant piece of musical history was revived this week in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain, as a song dedicated to the Virgen del Pilar – a notable figure in spanish Catholicism – was performed during a special Eucharist on October 12th. The composition,over 80 years old,uniquely incorporates the city of Ciudad Rodrigo into its lyrics,forging a powerful connection between faith and local identity.
A Legacy of Faith and Music
The hymn was sung by Carlos López, canon of the Civitatense Cathedral, at the conclusion of the Eucharist, which was presided over by Bishop Mons. Jose Luis Retana in the Plaza Lord of Ciudad Rodrigo.The performance marked a return to tradition, as the song has a long and storied history within the community.
The composition originates from Cándido Ledesma, a former organist of the Cathedral and nephew of the renowned folklorist Dámaso Ledesma. It was originally penned in 1940 to commemorate a pilgrimage undertaken by the diocese of Ciudad Rodrigo to Pilar de Zaragoza, a major site of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgen del Pilar. The original scores remain preserved within the Cathedral of Santa María in Ciudad Rodrigo.
From Civil Guard Celebrations to Cathedral Revival
For decades, the song served as a centerpiece of celebrations held by the Civil Guard, who maintain a chapel dedicated to the Virgen del pilar within the Cathedral. However, in the early 1990s, during the tenure of parish priest Agustín Durán, the mass and procession honoring the Patroness of the Civil Guard shifted to the parish of San Cristóbal, located near the local barracks.
Last year saw a significant turning point, with celebrations returning to the Cathedral. This revival also brought with it the rediscovery and reinstatement of Ledesma’s hymn, which was once again performed this year by Canon Carlos López, reaffirming its place in the city’s religious and cultural landscape.
A Hymn’s Powerful Message
The lyrics of the hymn powerfully express devotion and resilience. A portion of the song proclaims:
“Hail a thousand times Holy Pillar, faithful monument of our faith.
Spain’s faith has not wavered,
for you constant as you have been,
always standing,always standing,Sacred Pillar of our faith.
Today Ciudad Rodrigo comes to you,
noble diocese, people of faith,
that before its walls the enemy, blessed Virgin,
won with you,
always standing, always standing, Sacred Pillar of our faith.”
The verses not only celebrate the Virgen del Pilar as a steadfast symbol of faith but also specifically acknowledge the ancient importance of Ciudad Rodrigo, referencing the Virgin’s role in defending the city against its enemies. The hymn culminates in a resounding declaration: “God and Mary, such will be the cry that all of Spain constantly gives, which is Spain’s faith of granite, ‘Sacred Pillar, blessed Pillar, eternal Pillar of our faith.'”
The renewed performance of this 80-year-old hymn serves as a poignant reminder of the
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