Santi Taboada
After days of intense firefighting that forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate, left towns deserted, and prompted dramatic rescues as firefighting planes flew overhead, Spain is now turning to reconstruction. Even so, several wildfire hot spots remain out of control, including the fire in Vall de Uixó.
During these difficult days, many evacuees waited in community centers unsure whether they would be able to return home. The Catholic Church stepped in to support those affected.
From the very start, local priests did everything they could to help those affected. Father Eliert carried the Blessed Sacrament from the seminary in Rozas del Puerto Real, while Father Juan Pablo Florez rang the church bells in Cenicientos to warn residents to evacuate.
FR. ELIERT JEREZ
Seminary Rector and Pastor of Rozas de Puerto Real
I honestly believe this has been one of the hardest things I've had to go through in my ministry. Seeing the fear in the faces of the people around us, seeing their despair, watching the elderly being helped into cars.
Once the evacuations were complete, priests and laypeople went to the sports centers to listen to and support the people there.
FR ELIERT JEREZ
Not just through prayer, which is already a lot, but by listening. And even beyond that, by creating youth groups to take children to the sports center so they could participate in activities, helping the elderly, and buying medicine. The church has many faces; it’s not just the priests.
FR. JUAN PABLO FLOREZ
Parish Priest of Cenicientos
Because all of us priests were with the people, we were in touch with them. “Where are you?” “Well, I’m at the sports field helping to prepare the meal.” “And where are you?” “We’ve started preparing it.” “I’m at such-and-such's place; we’re with a woman, looking for her.” That’s what the priests were like.
With tens of thousands of hectares burned, this has become the largest wildfire ever recorded in Spain. And as communities begin to rebuild, the Church will continue offering its support.
FR. ELIERT JEREZ
The Church will always be there, right? Working hand in hand with city councils, with families, and with the seminary. We’ve also reached a wonderful agreement between the Diocese of Ávila and the Diocese of Getafe, right? To provide continuous and unified care, right? for the entire Tietar Valley.
FR. JUAN PABLO FLOREZ
People kind of grew closer; they got to know each other better. There was a greater sense of unity and concern for people they didn't know.
Now, most residents are returning home. Many have lost their farmland, their livestock, their livelihoods, or even a loved one.
But despite the pain and uncertainty that remain, the compassion shown by nursing home staff, civil protection workers, Caritas, volunteers, and priests has united communities even more as people begin to rebuild their lives.
