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The Boy Bishop blessing livestock, Muruzábal (Navarre), 1977. M.ª Amor Beguiristáin.

On 8 December 1977 the Boy Bishop of Muruzábal (Navarre) wore brand-new bishop’s gown,  alb and fancy cope. The old robes were in such bad condition that schoolchildren had been unable to dress as bishops for the last two years. The full episcopal regalia included mitre and crozier. Two acolytes assisted the boy bishop: one carried the holy water vessel and sprinkler, and the other a tin money can reading “Quien dé por San Nicolás, cien años vivirá” (which translates as “Whoever makes a donation on St Nicholas’ Day will live a hundred years”) to collect alms from their neighbours. As a novelty on that year, an altar boy accompanied them carrying a bag full of mandarins, oranges and sweets to be shared out. (more…)