Josefa Teresa – as she is called in her baptismal certificate (Beniganim, Valencia, Spain, 9 February 1625 – 21 January 1696), came from a modest family. She lost her father when she was still a young girl. On October 25, 1643, and only after going through a lot of difficulties, she finally entered as a sister of obedience in the monastery of the Augustinian Nuns in her native town. She took the name, Josefa Maria de Santa Ines.
The locality of Beniganim, according to the report of Jessica Sanchez in the local daily, “Las Provincias”, is prepared to live the festivities in honor of the “Blessed Ines” this January 21 with a well-attended procession. But the celebration really began with a solemn novena directed by the Augustinian Recollect, Santiago Marcilla.
The celebrations are sponsored principally by the “HermandadInesina”, which is constituted by 1,535 members, residents of the four sectors into which the town is divided. Each year they choose by lot who would compose the commission responsible for the organization of the festivities.
January 14, Friday, is dedicated to the sick. In the afternoon of the same day, after the anointing of the sick, a snack will be served to all those who attend in the Church “L’Ortisa”. The presence of young girls and boys will make the celebration of the novena more delightful. And on Sunday, the 16th of January, scapulars will be imposed on the new members of the “Hermandad”.
A huge bonfire will be the center of attraction on the evening of Thursday, the 20th of January. This is symbolic and will be made more pleasant by the band that will interpret popular songs in honor of the Blessed.
And while the crowd enjoys the warmth, they shall also taste native products like, peanuts, refreshments, and sweets. In addition fireworks prepared by the Aitana group will further entertain the crowd. On the day before the big feast dedicated to the saint, the neighborhood will be busy finalizing details in order that everything will come out well. In the morning they will visit the community of Augustinian nuns and at 8:30 in the evening, the “SociedadInstructiva Musical” of Beniganim, together with all those who desire to participate, will play their music in all the streets of the municipality.
The Archbishop of Valenica
And then when the big day comes, that is January 21 Friday, a unique celebration, which has the procession that begins at 5:00 in the afternoon as centerpiece, happens. Early that morning there will be a “despertà”, one of the oldest traditions, when the crowd sings in the streets popular songs dedicated to the patron.
The most attended Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 in the morning in the plaza of the Blessed Ines.The most attended Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 in the morning in the plaza of the Blessed Ines. It is expected that the Eucharist, which will be presided by the Archbishop of Valencia, Carlos Osoro, will gather a huge number of devotees.
One of the principal marks of the procession is the participation of a huge number of devotees who would come from different points of the “ComunitatValenciana.”It is worth noting that the number of faithful assisting ordinarily surpasses the number of inhabitants of the locality.
And every year the neighborhood decorates the streets where the procession passes with flowers and other ornaments, a symbolic gesture of welcoming the image of the patron.
Months before the feast, residents prepare artistic handicrafts of garlands, flower vases and other items, which are put up for exhibit for people to appreciate while waiting for the procession of pass by.
This is an act that captures the attention because of its artistic and cultural interest, and for this they have chosen eight different routes. This was done with the intention that the image of the Blessed could visit the major sections of the town.
Theater
Illustration of the scenes and events and miracles in the life of Blessed Ines also forms part of the itinerary of the procession. In this manner “Els Miracles” consists in different representations that are performed by the neighbors themselves, and which lastsin static form throughout the procession. “It is an authentic marvel”, exclaims a neighbor as she emotionally recalls the scenes of the “Els Miracles” she observes every year. The representations also have backgrounds, instances and sections that are proper of the XVII century. Included, of course, are the customs and traditions of Beniganim, its culinary arts and native ways of life, agriculture and handicraft. That same day, all the residents will express themselves profusely in giving honors to their patron. It is an authentic manifestation of religiosity, art and devotion.
The origin of this celebration is traced to the end part of the 1940’s and since that day the feast has been the favorite of the inhabitants. It was on the 21st of January 1955 when the image of Blessed Ines, and work of Carmelo Vicent, arrived in Beniganim from Valencia. It was the same year that marked the origin of the procession and its splendor.