Along the route through the town’s streets, one of the most moving moments is the First Fall. In this scenic tableau, the figure of Veronica emerges as a symbol of piety and comfort amidst suffering. Her appearance in The Little Square is a key moment that both Vergélitains and visitors eagerly await with reverence, a highlight of the **Veronica Verges Procession**.
The Scene of the First Fall in The Little Square
When the procession reaches The Little Square, Jesus, overwhelmed by the weight of the cross, falls for the first time. It is at this moment that Veronica approaches with a mixture of fear and devotion.
According to the traditional Verges script, she asks for permission to wipe the condemned man’s face, seeing how the sweat and blood “mar the beauty of his countenance.”
The Veil and the Miracle of the Face: “What a Prodigy!”
The central element of this character is the veil she carries. The script specifies that the cloth is carefully dampened with spikenard and rosewater, a detail that highlights the delicacy of her gesture.
Once Veronica wipes Jesus’s face and removes the cloth, the visual miracle occurs, leaving everyone in awe.
Veronica exclaims in surprise: “Oh, what is this? What a prodigy! Is this not the very face of Jesus?”
She then shows the veil with the miraculous imprint to The Jews, who turn their backs in a dramatic contrast between the woman’s faith and the harshness of the persecutors.
Symbolism of the Veronica Verges Procession
Veronica represents the reward of faith. Jesus thanks her for her gesture, stating that she has more than paid for her action by giving her an “unforgettable proof” of his love. For the spectator, this character offers a respite of tenderness amid the cruelty of the road to Calvary.
In essence, Veronica and her veil are indispensable parts of the visual narrative of Verges. Her passage through the narrow streets remains one of the most cherished memories for anyone experiencing the night of Maundy Thursday.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
