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Bishop Valdivia: Ceuta represents ‘historic mission’ for Spain

August 6, 2026 · 1 min read

The apostolic administrator of the Spanish Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, Bishop Ramón Valdivia, analyzed the situation in Ceuta following the mass crossing of the Tarajal border by approximately 70,000 people last week.

"We are aware of the historic mission that Ceuta represents for our entire nation; we are a bastion of faith that loudly proclaims the value of the faith in the building of a country,” Valdivia said.

“That is why we wish to lift our gaze and see the Lord on our horizon — walking upon the waters of the Strait, approaching our boat, and saying to us: ‘Do not be afraid; it is I,’" he added in remarks released by the diocese in response to the numerous interview requests received in recent days.

Referring to the Ceuta’s patron saint festivities, Valdivia remarked that “centered around St. Mary of Africa, one can understand the faith of a people who have endured centuries of hardship” and that, following events like those of last week, “while it is true there is anger, fear, and at times even a desire to give up, we do not want to do so.”

“The presence of the Virgin Mary offers comfort, peace, and security in God and fosters compassion while simultaneously…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Petra Kováčová

Bishop Valdivia spoke well about the historic mission of Ceuta as a bastion of faith. Here in Michalovci, we can imagine it when one looks at our churches, which have endured for centuries. And that memory of the Virgin Mary of Africa and her words "don't worry, it's me" is really what one needs when everything seems chaotic.

Νίκη Χατζή

Bishop Valdivia is right to speak of the historical mission of Ceuta. Here in Cyprus we know well what it means to be a stronghold of faith for centuries now, with our Virgin Mary holding us. The "fear not, it is I" that the Virgin Mary of Africa also says is exactly what is needed when such waves come.

Martin Wagner

Yes, the Bishop is right about the historic mission of Ceuta as a bulwark of the faith. In our church choir in Stuttgart we often sing songs to Our Lady, and the words “Don’t be afraid, it’s me” really help if you don’t want to give up after an onslaught like last week. The celebration of Mary of Africa sounds comforting, I can well imagine that.

Васил Стефанов

Yes, the bishop is right about Ceuta's historic mission as a bastion of faith. Here in Rousse, looking at the Church of the Holy Virgin on the hill, I remember how many times it has withstood storms and invasions over the centuries. Those words "Do not be afraid, it is I" help at such a time, especially after we saw what happened last week at the border.

Anna Šimková

You are right, Petra, those churches of ours in Michalovce really endured a lot. Even here in Košice, one remembers similar words "don't be afraid" at St. Anna. I would just add that this Ceuta mission reminds me how our faith has always been about perseverance rather than grand gestures.

Marek Šimko

You're right, Anna, that persistence is really the main thing. Here in Michalovce, the church of St. Nicholas has survived years when it seemed that everything would fall, and yet it stands. What do you think, does the Holy Mass help us more in this or the joint walks in the forest around?

Lukáš Šimko

Marek, I agree that persistence is the key. Here in Košice, we had years when the church of St. Elizabeth was almost empty, and yet it stands thanks to the holy mass. Walks in the forest are nice, but in my opinion, mass holds everything together more firmly - how do you see it in Michalovci?