The story began in Madrid in 1631, when Frances Oviedo, spiritual, zealous and tenacious, travelled to the capital of Spain to look for alms with which to construct a hospital in Serradilla (Cáceres)
She obtained the help of a well known court artist called Domingo de Rioja, who carved, under her direction an original sculpture of Christ. The impressive lifesize statue, represents the Risen Christ triumphant over death. At his feet the scull and the serpent and it shows dramatically all his wounds. His left hand is lovingly clutching the cross while his right reaches out to the heart.
The impressive lifesize statue, represents the Risen Christ triumphant over death.These fervent woman had many difficulties to endure given the devotion with which courtiers and local people honored the sacred image. Only in 1648 could she take her statue to the small town of Serradilla, where it was placed in the parish church and later moved to a larger church. The image was already well known and attracted devotees from all walks of life came in pious pilgrimage. In 1655 it was decided to transform the small hospital into the convent of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns.
On May 10, 1660, the five founding sisters left the convent of Arenas de San Pedro (Ávila) under the instructions of Mother Isabel de la Madre de Dios. This began the long journey of the Recollect nuns into the contemplative life and to their cult of The Christ of Victories, which they shared with the faithful. They also cared for the many pilgrims. It was a wonderful oppertunity to celebrate the 350 years of intense spiritual life, while being far from the beaten track, it has however, attracted, thousands and thousands of pilgrims, whose journey was at times difficult. It also served as a refuge for others in need of religious protection. The celebration was festive and devout, with many of the devotees coming from far away. There was enthusiastic participation of the nuns from their choir loft and the faithful in the singing of the traditional “misa de Angelis” and with many prayers It was very moving ceremony as was shown in the tears in many eyes.