14. Sas Mendhulas

Loculi is a town strongly linked to cultural and religious traditions. The presence of an active Confraternity and the deep bond with the rites of Holy Week bear witness to this. In this regard, photos 12, 13, 14 portray some emblematic moments of Sa Suchena, which is inserted among the most important rites of Holy Week as a representation of Christ’s last supper with the disciples.

Specifically, photo 14 shows the phase of breaking the almonds (sas mendhulas), by the confreres, in the preparation phase of Sa Suchena.

Sa Suchena is organized by the Confraternity of Santa Croce – Santa Rughe di Loculi. The foundation of the Confraternity dates back to ancient times. A written testimony of its existence is provided by the 1777 questionnaire of Maria Corongiu, Vicar General of the Archbishopric of Cagliari, but it is certain that its presence in the area was consolidated from some time ago.

Currently, the Confraternity is made up of ten brothers, frades and thirteen sisters, sorres, de Santa Rughe. The board of directors, Sos Impreatos is made up of Su Piore and Sa piore, Su Suttapiore and Sa Suttapiore, from Su Depositario, from three sacrestanos and from two sacrestanas. On 14 September of each year, the executive committee is appointed and takes office after two years.

Sos Impreatos and the members of the Confraternity have the task of organizing and participating in various events and anniversaries including the celebrations in honor of the Patron Saint Peter, on January 18, and of N.S. of Sa Defessa, the last Sunday of August; the fire of St. Anthony, on January 15, and the blessing of the fields, on April 25.

They have the task of making the intertwined palms to be delivered following the Holy Mass on Palm Sunday and, in the case of funerals, they shape the procession that accompanies the coffin from the house to the church for the Holy Mass, and from the church to the burial place .

Finally, the Confraternity has the honor and responsibility of organizing the rites and functions of de Sa Chitta Santa such as the decoration of the chapel which houses the sepulcher of Su Cristu mortu, S’Incontru of the Risen Christ and Our Lady on Easter Sunday, the Corpus Domini and Sa Suchena.

For further information about Sa Suchena, see photos 12 and 13.