Sebastián de la Madre de Dios

Sebastián de la Madre de Dios was a Franciscan friar known for his deep devotion and piety, particularly during the early 1600s in Mexico. He is historically recognized for instituting the practice of flagellation as a form of penance and devotion in the context of the Holy Week celebrations, which laid the groundwork for the traditional processions of penitents in Taxco. His actions have had a lasting impact on the region’s religious practices, as the processions he inspired have continued for over four centuries, becoming an integral part of the Semana Santa celebrations in Taxco.