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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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💬 Comments (2) 🌐 Translate comments
P
Petra Kováčová
Biskup Valdivia dobre povedal o tej historickej misii Ceuty ako o bašte viery. U nás v Michalovciach si to vieme predstaviť, keď sa človek pozrie na naše kostoly, čo vydržali stáročia. A tá spomienka na Pannu Máriu Africkú a jej slová „nebojte sa, to som ja“ je naozaj to, čo človek potrebuje, keď sa všetko zdá chaotické.
Ν
Νίκη Χατζή
Ο επίσκοπος Βαλντίβια έχει δίκιο που μιλάει για την ιστορική αποστολή της Θέουτα. Εδώ στην Κύπρο ξέρουμε καλά τι σημαίνει να είσαι προπύργιο πίστης αιώνες τώρα, με την Παναγία μας να μας κρατάει. Το «μη φοβάστε, εγώ είμαι» που λέει και η Παναγία της Αφρικής είναι ακριβώς αυτό που χρειάζεται όταν έρχονται τέτοια κύματα.
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