The Reus City Council has announced a programme of events to mark the 400th anniversary of the Saint Peter relic's arrival at the Prioral. This commemoration highlights a historically and patrimonially important event for the city.

Daniel Recasens, the Councillor for Culture and Linguistic Policy, Prior Joaquim Fortuny of the Prioral of Saint Peter, and historian Joan Olivella presented the programme. A participatory committee, made up of various local figures and organisations, helped define the joint schedule to recognise this key episode in Reus's history.

The relic's journey began in autumn 1625 when Carmelite friars brought a small fragment of Saint Peter directly from Rome to Reus. Initially, the relic was placed in their convent, Sant Joan. However, on 29 June 1626, it was moved to the Prioral's main altar, where it remains today, secured in a cabinet with three keys.

Historical Context of the Relic

The initial placement at the Sant Joan convent can be explained by the ongoing installation of the main altar's altarpiece at the Prioral, which would have made a solemn ceremony difficult. It is also possible that the Carmelites, who arranged for the relic, wished to keep it in their own church for a time, according to officials.

To venerate the relic, an initial reliquary was commissioned. This was a polychrome and gilded wooden bust of the apostle. In 1696, a new, silver reliquary, similar to the first, was made by silversmith Francesc Via. This silver reliquary currently holds the city's patron saint relic and is carried through the streets and squares every 29 June during the Solemn Procession.

Commemorative Events in Reus

The anniversary programme includes several conferences and exhibitions:

  • 14 May, 7pm, Prioral of Saint Peter: A conference titled 'Friar Josep de la Concepció and Carmelite Architecture' by Carme Narváez i Cases, a doctor in Art History from the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
  • 21 May, 6.30pm, Reus Museum (Plaça de la Llibertat): Joan Bosch i Ballbona, also a doctor in Art History from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, will speak on 'The Main Altarpiece of the Prioral of Saint Peter'.
  • 28 May, 7pm, El Castell Cultural Centre: Joan Domenge i Mesquida, a doctor in Art History from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, will present 'The Silversmith Francesc Via and the Reliquary Bust of Saint Peter'.
  • 3 June, 7pm, El Castell Cultural Centre: A round table discussion, 'The Restoration of the 1626 Reliquary Bust of Saint Peter', will feature Maria Àngels Jorba i Valls, coordinator-restorer at the Centre for the Restoration of Movable Goods of Catalonia.
  • 13 June, 12pm, El Castell Cultural Centre: Joan Arimany Juventeny, a cultural manager and researcher specialising in Catalan popular religiosity and relics, will deliver a conference on 'Saint Relics in Catalonia'.

Historical and cultural tours of Reus in 1626, the year the relic arrived, will be led by archaeologist and historian Joan Olivella on 23 and 30 May at 7pm, starting from the old Sant Joan hospital. An exhibition of the old reliquary bust of Saint Peter will be on display at the Reus Museum, Plaça de la Llibertat, until 17 May, and then at the Prioral of Saint Peter from 19 May.

Grand Commemoration During Festa Major

The celebrations will culminate in an extraordinary festive event during the Festa Major de Sant Pere on Sunday, 28 June. At 9.30am, the Municipal Corporation will proceed from Plaça del Mercadal to the Prioral. Following this, the main altar's ark will be opened with the three keys, and the reliquary bust of Saint Peter will emerge.

The bust will then be carried from the Prioral towards Plaça del Mercadal, accompanied by municipal and religious authorities, and the banners of the city's confraternities. Upon reaching Plaça del Mercadal, the city's festive procession will perform a joint dance. When the reliquary bust arrives in front of the City Council door, a commemorative 'Tronada' firework display will be set off to mark the 400th anniversary. After the 'Tronada', the image of Saint Peter will return, preceded by the festive procession, and the reliquary bust will re-enter the Prioral, where it will remain on display for veneration.