Places linked to Saint Custodio

The village of Hoya del Salobral, known as the "Joya" (Gem), is part of Noalejo, located in the heart of the Sierra Sur de Jaén, about 8 kilometres from the municipality of Frailes. Here lived one of the "saints" of these mountains, Custodio Perez Aranda.

Successor of Saint Luisico, Custodio (1885-1961) is one of those healers and intercessors who healed people using formulas that had been passed down to him. Some cure certain ailments by using knowledge acquired by skill, or through the properties of natural formulas. Other people, like Saint Custodio, have a certain gift or ability to heal.

In Hoya del Salobral there are different places connected to the life of the saint, veritable places of pilgrimage for his devotees: the house where he lived, a fountain with crystal-clear water with his image above it, the cave, a small grotto where he used to withdraw to spend time praying, and the Shrine of Virgen de la Cabeza, built in 1966 near the cave.

When he died, on 15 August 1961, his devotees carried him on their shoulders to the cemetery in Noalejo, where he was buried. His tomb has become a place of pilgrimage for those who believe in Custodio's powers after his death.

Many saints are traditionally venerated in the Sierra Sur de Jaén. It has a significant number of saints, as is the case with this saint, as well as Saint Luisico Aceituno and Saint Manuel. Serene, serious and simple people who were also accessible and who still enjoy respect and devotion today.