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<\/p>\nThe apostolic administrator of the Spanish Diocese of C\u00e1diz and Ceuta, Bishop Ram\u00f3n Valdivia, analyzed the situation in Ceuta following the mass crossing of the Tarajal border by approximately 70,000 people last week.<\/p>\n
“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,\u201d Valdivia said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is why we wish to lift our gaze and see the Lord on our horizon \u2014 walking upon the waters of the Strait, approaching our boat, and saying to us: \u2018Do not be afraid; it is I,\u2019” he added in remarks released by the diocese in response to the numerous interview requests received in recent days.<\/p>\n
Referring to the Ceuta\u2019s patron saint festivities, Valdivia remarked that \u201ccentered around St. Mary of Africa, one can understand the faith of a people who have endured centuries of hardship\u201d and that, following events like those of last week, \u201cwhile it is true there is anger, fear, and at times even a desire to give up, we do not want to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe presence of the Virgin Mary offers comfort, peace, and security in God and fosters compassion while simultaneously expressing faith in the God who, having become man, has conquered death. Offering this response entails responding with God\u02bcs love,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
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The Church has demonstrated its maturity amid an unprecedented crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bishop Ram\u00f3n Valdiviaapostolic administrator of the Diocese of C\u00e1diz and Ceuta in Spain<\/p>\n
The prelate further indicated that \u201cthe Church has demonstrated its maturity amid an unprecedented crisis,\u201d even as it continues to \u201cview with concern these events that disturb our peace,\u201d bearing in mind that \u201cthis is the second time [such an event has occurred] since the mass influx of May 2021.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel vulnerable and, in a sense, in need of protection,\u201d added the bishop, who, drawing inspiration from St. Paul\u02bcs Second Letter to the Corinthians, observed: \u201cWe are troubled, but not in despair. We trust in God above all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valdivia further noted that the task for the near future involves \u201crebuilding trust, encouraging those who have suffered fear and anxiety, and working toward a dignified solution for those who entered illegally,\u201d bearing in mind that \u201cfeelings very difficult to root out have taken hold in people\u02bcs hearts, stemming from the need to care for others while simultaneously protecting the shared space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gratitude to Pope Leo XIV<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the prelate welcomed the words of Pope Leo XIV regarding the crisis \u2014 spoken during the Angelus on Sunday, Aug. 2 \u2014 as \u201ca balm of comfort, knowing that we are close to the pope\u02bcs heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo XIV expressed that he was following \u201cthe alarming situation in Ceuta\u201d with concern and asked, through the intercession of Our Lady of Africa, that \u201csolutions of peace, stability, and justice might be found.\u201d These words, the prelate stated, \u201chave helped guide our public mission amid this difficulty, fostering peace, stability, and justice.\u201d<\/p>\n