Pilgrimage of Sant Bernat to the monastery of La Real

Documented in 1232, it is considered the oldest pilgrimage in Mallorca.

The pilgrims leave from the Cort Square, in the center of Palma, and go to the monastery of La Real, located on the northern outskirts of the city. They make the route (about 6km) on foot, on horseback or in carriages and to the sound of the xeremies. Traditionally, the path was made with a green cane in hand. Arrival at La Real in the afternoon. The next day, the 20th, is the feast of Sant Bernat.

At 8:00 p.m., mass in the church of the Virgin of the Real (or the Fountain of God), titular of the temple with Sant Bernat. Afterwards, blessing of basil trees and gift of a bud to each participant. In the evening, boat dancing and musical evening.

The monastery of La Real, one of the most important in Mallorca, was founded on this site by the Cistercian friars (or white monks) in 1266. Ramon Llull wrote some works there and, in his will, bequeathed a chest full of books to the monks of the Real. In 1836, the monastery was confiscated and the religious had to abandon it. Since the end of the nineteenth century, it has been taken care of by the congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts. There is the Balearic Library, which houses manuscripts, books and documents of the highest value. The cloister and the chapter house are also noteworthy. The church (formerly a convent and now a parish church) is of Gothic origin and was renovated at the beginning of the twentieth century by the architect Guillem Reynés; altarpieces and statues from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries are preserved, such as the image of the Virgin, in Renaissance style.

The surroundings of the monastery were preserved from urbanization thanks to the neighborhood struggles of the Salvem la Real platform, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, which had the support of the monks of the monastery. There is a great peace and tranquility, unusual so close to the big city.

Joys to Sant Bernat of the monastery of La Real

Old letter

 

Protector against all evil

very powerful you are state,

oh glorious Sant Bernat

of the Monastery of the Real.

 

Born of high nobility

full of perfections,

heaven filled you with gifts

with whom you grew greater,

you deserve from everyone

a special appreciation.

oh glorious Sant Bernat

of the Monastery of the Real.

 

Headache, fever and pain,

any disease,

At all times find comfort

who invokes you fervently:

who has pain from sins

finds paternal protection,

oh glorious Sant Bernat

of the Monastery of the Real.

 

From Mallorca, this city,

especially this region,

He always looks at you like an ark

in all stormy weathers.

In you he has always found

remedy for any ailment.

oh glorious Sant Bernat

of the Monastery of the Real.

 

All the devotees tell you

Sant Abat de Claraval,

oh glorious Sant Bernat

of the Monastery of the Real.