PALMA
YESTERDAY saw the third and last of the island processions honouring Santa Catalina Thomas, the 16th century nun who was born in Valldemossa and died in the Santa Maria Magdalena convent of Palma. The other two processions are held in Valldemosa in July and Santa Margalida in September.
In yesterday's colourful event, the saint was portrayed by seven year old Antonia Amengual, who took pride of place, riding in a beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriage, surrounded by her court of angels.
The parade, accompanied by pipers and local bands, set off from Palma's Paseo Sagrera shortly after 7pm and went through the main streets to the Santa Maria Magdalena convent, with frequent stops for exhibitions of Majorcan dancing.
Earlier in the day, Antonia and her entourage had attended Mass, said by the Bishop of Majorca Mgr Jesus Murgui, at the convent. This was attended by representatives of the Council of Majorca, the Palma city council and the Mayors of Valldemossa and Sant Joan, Antonia's home town.
The service was followed by a party for the children and Majorcan dancing.
Santa Catalina Thomas was born on a farm in Valldemossa in 1533; at the age of 15, she went to work for a family in Palma and became a nun at the age of 22. She remained at the Santa Maria Magdalena convent until her death in 1574. A highly educated woman, her opinion was often sought by Bishops and viceroys. She was beatified in 1792 but not made a saint until 1930.
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