The Church in Spain

The Diocese of Córdoba has published a report on its Diocesan Synodal Assembly in the magazine Church in Córdoba. The assembly took place on Saturday, September 19, at Colegio Trinidad.

The publication details the full development of the assembly, which introduced the pastoral plan and the specific work lines the diocese will follow for the next four years.

The Diocese of Córdoba has launched its Pastoral Plan for 2026–2030 to guide the evangelizing work of the entire diocese over the next four years.

The plan establishes a new path of communion and mission for the local Church.

Archbishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses presided over a Mass for the Life Teen Spain formation meeting in Sevilla on Saturday. The gathering brought together approximately 80 leaders and catechists from the dioceses of Sevilla, Huelva, Cádiz, and Granada, along with the Life Teen Spain leadership team from the diocese of Terrassa.

During his homily, Archbishop Saiz Meneses used the parable of the sower to describe the mission of those accompanying adolescents and young people. He told the participants that they gathered to train, share experiences, pray, and renew their commitment to helping youth encounter Jesus Christ. The archbishop noted that evangelization requires leaders to go out to new generations rather than waiting for them to come to the Church, especially within a secularized society.

The Mass was concelebrated by Manuel Jiménez, the diocesan delegate for youth ministry.

Archbishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses wrote a Sunday letter to the Archdiocese of Seville announcing the upcoming ordination of four deacons and one priest on Saturday, September 26.

The archbishop stated that these ordinations bring joy and hope to the archdiocese. In his message, he congratulated the five men for choosing to dedicate their lives to God and others. He encouraged young people to listen for God's call and urged the community to help them find the silence necessary to hear that vocation. Saiz Meneses noted that the priesthood is not a relic of a past era but remains a vital gift for the Church.

The letter also detailed the three inseparable dimensions of the diaconal ministry.

The Diocese of Almería will gather in Dalías this weekend to meet with the Christ of the Light. Gabriel Lirola and Mayor Francisco Lirola are preparing for the town's major celebrations.

The Diocese of Córdoba held its Diocesan Synodal Assembly to mark the beginning of the new course. The assembly was featured in the diocesan publication Al Trasluz.

Parishes in the Diocese of Valencia will hold the Colecta Pro Templos this Sunday to raise funds for the construction, maintenance, and repair of churches and parish buildings. During the weekend, parishes will include specific prayers for the occasion and direct all mass collections toward the diocesan works fund.

The fund supports projects in the most needy parishes and helps sustain the upkeep of temples and parish halls. Last year, the collection raised 93,849.88 euros, an amount that exceeded previous years due to damage caused by the 2024 DANA floods. In 2025, the diocese invested 13.4 million euros in the conservation and maintenance of its buildings.

Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos will represent the Spanish Episcopal Conference at a European meeting on social justice in Rome from September 22 to 24. The meeting, organized by the Sección para las Cuestiones Sociales of the CCEE, will focus on the theme of "Economía, Justicia Social y Solidaria entre las Naciones."

Cadiñanos, the bishop of Mondoñedo-Ferrol and president of the Subcomisión Episcopal para las Migraciones y la Movilidad Humana, will share the experiences and concerns of the Church in Spain regarding human dignity, social cohesion, and international justice. Participants will analyze the role of the economy in building societies.

The program begins Tuesday, September 22, with a reception and Mass presided over by Bishop János Székely of Szombathely, Hungary. Working sessions will take place on Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24.

Bishop Luis Ángel inaugurated the exhibition "Ángel Estrada: Forma y Luz" at the San Salvador Church in Palat del Rey. The display showcases the work of Ángel Estrada, a sculptor known for religious imagery in León during the second half of the 20th century. Visitors can view the exhibition from now until October 31.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Fundación Museo Diocesano y de Semana Santa and the Cofradía del Santo Cristo del perdón. It marks the 60th anniversary of the blessing of the Santo Cristo del Perdón at the Parroquia de San Francisco de la Vega. Bishop Luis Ángel noted that the collection allows viewers to see a dialogue between sculpture and painting, featuring both works intended for religious worship and the artist's more private creations.

This is the third exhibition hosted at the San Salvador Church since the space reopened in December 2025. The venue serves as an exhibition space for the Diocese linked to the Museo Diocesano y de Semana Santa.

Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano attended the inauguration of renovated facilities at the Sant Hospital Foundation in La Seu d'Urgell on Friday, September 18. Accompanied by the rector of the Sant Ot parish, Father Josep Chisvert, the bishop toured the new intermediate care, day center, and assisted living residence located on the second and third floors.

The renovation project, which began in early 2024, updated the spaces to meet current fire protection regulations. The improvements include new rooms with bathrooms, dedicated areas for staff, and larger common areas designed to support resident autonomy and well-being. During the construction period, residents were housed in the Sant Tomàs wing of the third floor of the Urgell diocesan seminary.

The bishop was received by the president of the Sant Hospital Foundation board, Joan Barrera, and managing director Palmira Borràs. Other attendees included local health and regional officials from Lleida and the Alt Pirineu i Aran region.

Bishop José Manuel Lorca Planes presided over a Mass and academic ceremony to officially open the new academic year at the diocesan theological study centers. The institutions involved include the Instituto Teológico San Fulgencio, the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Religiosas San Fulgencio, and the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Religiosas San Dámaso at its distance learning site in Murcia.

During his homily, Bishop Lorca Planes stated that the goal of training for priests, religious, and laypeople is to prepare them for the mission of announcing the Gospel. He told students that the Church requires well-trained evangelizers who are also deeply in love with Christ. He encouraged those studying to ensure their learning moves from the mind to the heart so that theology helps them live with and from God. The bishop also urged students to deepen their prayer lives so that academic knowledge of theology, scripture, philosophy, and pastoral care results in spiritual growth.

University Pastoral in the Archdiocese of Oviedo is increasing its weekly activities for the new academic year. Starting in October, members will meet every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the San Tirso church in Oviedo to pray the Rosary and celebrate Mass.

Father Jaime Sanz, the delegate for University Pastoral, said the group decided to move from biweekly to weekly Mass following a large turnout for the Pope's visit to Madrid. The new schedule includes discussions on current events after Mass, followed by social gatherings to build friendships.

The program is open to all university students across Asturias, including those from Gijón and Mieres, as well as professors. The group includes students from various faculties and young people preparing for baptism. Participants learn about the meetings through social media and word of mouth.

The Archdiocese of Seville published its weekly news summary, ARCHISEVILLA 7 días, on September 18, 2026, to provide updates and images regarding current events within the diocese.

The Diocese of Valencia began commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the beatification of the Valencian martyrs with a colloquium on religious persecution in Spain during the 1930s. Organized by the Vicariate of Evangelization and the Delegation for the Causes of Saints, the event included historians, religious congregations, priests, family members, and Church authorities.

During the discussion, Bishop Juan Antonio Martínez Camino of Madrid stated that the martyrdom of Christians is the most significant event in 20th-century Church history. He noted that the 20th century produced more martyrs than all previous history combined and suggested that honoring these witnesses provides the Church with evangelizing vigor. He congratulated the local Church in Valencia for keeping the memory of these martyrs alive.

The anniversary events will conclude on Sunday, September 27, with a thanksgiving Mass at the Valencia Cathedral.

Bishop Santiago Gómez Sierra presided over a Mass to mark the start of the 2026-2027 academic year at the University of Huelva on September 18. The celebration took place at the Santa María Sedes Sapientiae University Church and included representatives from the university and various institutions.

During his homily, which focused on the parable of the talents, Bishop Gómez Sierra encouraged students, professors, and researchers to use their gifts to serve the truth and society. He stated that the Eucharist is not a religious break from university life but a school of life where knowledge and talents reach fulfillment through service to others.

The event included the participation of the university pastoral delegate Enrique Uzcátegui Rodríguez, the rector of the diocesan seminary Juan José Feria Toscano, and priest Ignacio Virseda. The celebration highlighted the university pastoral ministry's commitment to providing spiritual accompaniment and fostering a university open to dialogue and the common good.

The Diocese of Vitoria will hold a diocesan assembly in May 2027 to evaluate how the Synod has been implemented within the local Church. Vicar General Carlos García Llata announced the upcoming assembly and new working documents in a letter to the faithful to outline the pastoral year.

The assembly aims to identify the specific characteristics of a missionary synodal Church and the new paths for synodality emerging in the community. Participants will review the progress made since the conclusion of the 2021–2024 Synod to determine how these developments can benefit other churches and the Pope.

Following the assembly, the diocese intends to write a letter to other churches to share what has been learned and the steps taken during this process.

The Bishop of Córdoba will present his 2026–2030 pastoral plan during a diocesan assembly on Saturday, September 19. The plan organizes the diocese's evangelization efforts into four specific itineraries.

More than 600 people are expected to attend the assembly to learn the lines of action for the next four years.

The Instituto Ceu de Humanidad Ángel Ayala will host a series of lectures about Saint Luis Bertrán at the Palacio de Colomina in Valencia to mark the 500th anniversary of his birth. The program begins on October 7 and features experts from various Valencian universities discussing the saint's historical context, spiritual life, artistic representation, and the celebrations following his beatification and canonization.

The sessions are scheduled for 19:00 at the Palacio de Colomina on Calle Almudín, 1. Father Pérez García from the Universitat de València will open the cycle on Wednesday, October 7, with a talk on Saint Luis Bertrán and his time under the sign of globalization. On Tuesday, October 13, E. Callado Estela from the Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera will present "Saint Luis Bertrán, from Earth to Heaven."

A. Ferrer Orts from the Universitat de València will speak on October 20 regarding "Sant Lluís Bertrán, una icona del barroc." The cycle concludes on Tuesday, October 27, with I. Rodríguez Moya from the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló discussing the festive construction of a saint through his beatification and canonization celebrations. The events will also include an exhibition and the presentation of a facsimile about the life of the saint from 1672.

The Diocese of Urgell is organizing a diocesan pilgrimage to Segovia, Fontiveros, and Avila from October 13 to 16. The trip commemorates the Jubilee Year of Saint John of the Cross, marking 300 years since his canonization and 100 years since he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.

The itinerary, themed "From Mysticism to Mission," aims to help participants explore sites connected to Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Jesus. The diocese intends for the pilgrimage to provide time for prayer, reflection, and community to see how the spiritual experiences of these saints lead to a life of mission. Participants will stay in seminaries and spirituality centers to maintain an environment of prayer and discernment.

Registration is open until October 6, though spaces are limited. Interested individuals can register by contacting Marta Meya at [email protected] or by calling +34 973 35 00 54, extension 425. To confirm a reservation, participants must email a proof of payment along with their town of residence, telephone number, ID or passport number, and email address.

The Diocese of Cartagena will hold a quinario and a pilgrimage to honor the Divino Niño de Burgos at the Ermita de Burgos in Nonduermas, Murcia.

The week of prayer begins this coming Monday. During the week, the chapel will host exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 18:00, followed by Mass at 19:00. Local groups, including the festival commission, the senior center, and the athletics club, will participate in the daily evening services.

On Sunday, September 27, the Eucharist will be celebrated at 12:00 in the area outside the chapel. The festivities conclude at 18:00 with a pilgrimage through the orchard paths featuring images of the Niño de Burgos and the Purísima Concepción. Participants are invited to wear traditional orchard clothing if they wish.

The Saliente Diocesan Sanctuary has scheduled 17 official pilgrimages over the next three months. The sanctuary, which recently reopened its temple, expects large numbers of pilgrims to attend these events alongside various cultural and sporting activities.

Upcoming scheduled visits include pilgrimages from Olula del Río and the Guardia Civil.

Fontiveros has welcomed 5,000 pilgrims since December 2025, according to the Diocese of Ávila. This milestone occurs during the Sanjuanista Jubilee Year, which commemorates the third centenary of the canonization of Saint John of the Cross and the first centenary of his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church.

More than 4,000 of these visitors arrived as part of organized groups and pilgrimages, while individual visitors increased during the summer months. The Diocese of Ávila and the Junta de Castilla y León supported this influx through a program to open various temples. This allowed devotees to visit the birthplace of Saint John of the Cross and the San Cipriano parish, where the saint was baptized. Local residents in Fontiveros have assisted with welcoming the travelers.

Cáritas Diocesana de Cádiz launched new training programs this September to help unemployed people in social exclusion or vulnerable situations find work. The courses and workshops aim to improve professional skills and increase chances of entering the labor market across various locations in the diocese.

Nearly 60 people will participate in the training. Three courses on social and health care for dependent persons will take place in Cádiz, Algeciras, and Paterna de Rivera. Additionally, two pre-employment workshops will be held in Chiclana de la Frontera and Puerto Real, and a course on domestic employment will be held in Cádiz to provide qualifications for home care roles.

These new programs run alongside existing training efforts, which include on-the-job training for department store workers, non-labor internships in the hospitality sector, and training for operators.

Parroquia Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Mula is holding a novena to honor the Divino Niño Jesús to mark the anniversary of the apparition of the Child Jesus of Balate. The parish offers the Rosary each afternoon at 19:30 and the Eucharist at 20:00, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The parish is open in the mornings from 9:00 to 12:00.

A children's procession will begin this Saturday at 18:30 from the Real Monasterio de la Encarnación to the parish. From the night of 20 to 21 September, the Misa del Peregrino will begin at 00:00, and the parish will remain open all night for those arriving on night pilgrimage.

On Monday morning, services will be held every hour from 6:00 to 10:00, and at 11:30, presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Cartagena, Juan Tudela. During this celebration, the Cofradía del Divino Niño Jesús de Belén de Mula will present an honor to a person from the town. An Eucharist will also be held at 13:00. Following the 18:00 service, a procession with the image will begin toward the Real Monasterio.

The Archdiocese of Valencia will hold a thanksgiving Mass at the cathedral on September 27 to mark the 25th anniversary of the beatification of a large group of martyrs. These individuals died for Christ during religious persecutions in 20th-century Spain.

Pope John Paul II beatified the group in March. The archdiocese intends for the upcoming celebration to help the faithful remember the lessons left by the martyrs through their lives and deaths.

Bishop Fernando Prado Ayuso has launched a new pastoral course for the Church in Gipuzkoa, focusing on vocational growth and preparations for the first Diocesan Synod of San Sebastián. In a letter to the diocese, the bishop stated that the community is returning to the ordinary life of parishes, movements, and diocesan groups.

The bishop highlighted two primary areas for the upcoming period. He called for a stronger culture of vocation to help young people discern God's will and encouraged them to respond generously. Additionally, the diocese will begin preparing for and celebrating its first Diocesan Synod. The synod itinerary is scheduled to begin with a meeting on Saturday, October 17, at the seminary in San Sebastián.

Bishop Prado Ayuso also noted recent developments including a new priest ordination and a young man entering the seminary. Regarding social assistance, the bishop announced that Cáritas will launch its own employment agency and an integration company.

The Archdiocese of Valencia will hold a prayer walk titled "A Path of Hope Against Human Trafficking" on Friday, September 25. The event, organized by the diocesan group against human trafficking and the Laity Delegation, aims to highlight the suffering of those facing sexual and labor exploitation and to showcase the Church's recovery efforts and support projects.

The walk begins at 19 hours at the Church of los Santos Juanes, moves through San Esteban and El Salvador, and concludes at the Basilica of the Virgin. Auxiliary bishops Fernando Ramón and Arturo J. García will participate, along with Melchor Seguí, vicar for evangelization, and Agustín Alcayde, vicar for charitable and social action.

The diocesan group against human trafficking includes entities such as Cáritas and Villa-Teresita. Organizers intend to bring attention to the realities of women being exploited and children facing forced labor or slavery.

The Diocese of Vitoria will host a free concert for young people and families titled Alza la voz al Cielo on Friday, October 2. The event will take place in the gardens of the New Cathedral of Vitoria from 20:00h until approximately midnight.

Organized by Gazteok and the ACdP, the concert features Christian music artists including Javier Portela, Aisha Ruah, Presencia Proyect, and Shalom. Father Ignacio Amorós, a priest who directs the Se Buscan Rebeldes evangelization channel and collaborates with the Word on Fire Institute, will serve as the presenter.

The organizers have arranged for a food truck to be available on the premises during the event. They are currently seeking volunteers to assist throughout the night.

Pope Leo XIV released a message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, focusing on the vulnerability of children and young people affected by forced displacement. The Pope noted that minors represent the most vulnerable group in global migration movements and urged people to recognize their dignity and hear their individual stories. He stated that the number of children whose lives are shaped by war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and family separation continues to grow, and their suffering persists even after they relocate.

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on Sunday, September 27. In his message, the Pope highlighted the hope found in the work of families, educators, volunteers, and faith communities who support young refugees.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who serves as the Bishop Delegate for the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, said the theme challenges people to notice a dimension of migration that is often overlooked. He noted that while the experiences of adult migrants are frequently discussed, the children involved are often forgotten.

Pope Leo XIV visited the Biblioteca Vaticana on Monday for the opening of the exhibition AQVA. Catástrofe y maravilla, according to the Holy See. During his visit, the Pope encouraged members of the Biblioteca Vaticana to testify to the ancient and new cultural openness of the Church.

A papal decree signed September 14 reveals that a new building for the Archivo Vaticano and the Biblioteca Vaticana will be constructed in the area known as Fuente del Autoparco and its surroundings. The space will be divided equally between the two institutions, with a portion reserved for other services of the Estado de la Ciudad del Vaticano.

The Archivo Vaticano and the Biblioteca Vaticana will form a Vatican instrumental foundation to manage this project. In the meantime, the Biblioteca Vaticana will continue to use its current storage spaces at the Pontificio Seminario Mayor Romano.

Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde met with the Council of Government on Thursday, September 17, to begin a new term that will run until July 2027. The nine members of the council assist the bishop in diocesan governance and decision-making.

The council includes Vicar General Carlos García Llata, episcopal vicars Unai Ibáñez, Manuel Gómez-Tavira, Nunilo Ceballos, and José Aduna, a religious woman, and three laypeople: Aitor Pastor, Ana Cordero, Begoña Zarco, and Vanesa Martínez Tomé.

During this first session, the group reviewed recent appointments and discussed pending appointments intended to address future challenges in evangelization. The members also discussed the format and importance of the upcoming Pastoral Days for the start of the course.

Bishop Osmany Massó Cuesta, the bishop of Bayamo Manzanillo in Cuba, is visiting the Diocese of Vitoria this week. Massó Cuesta, who took office in March 2026, is visiting the city to observe the progress of a seminarian currently training at the seminary on Beato Tomás de Zumárraga Street.

During his stay, the Cuban bishop met with Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde and seminary formators to learn about the main areas of the diocese. On Thursday morning, September 17, the Bishop of Vitoria invited Massó Cuesta to preside over the 1:00 p.m. mass while 29 seminarians participate in spiritual exercises.

Massó Cuesta is the third bishop of the Bayamo Manzanillo diocese, which was established by Pope John Paul II in 1995. He oversees more than 220,000 baptized Catholics in the southwest of Cuba. His ancestors originated from Olmedillo de Roa in the province of Burgos.

Seminarians Javier Garrido and Adrián Carballo have returned from a summer volunteer service at the Sanctuary of Covadonga. Garrido, who is preparing for diaconate ordination, and Carballo, a fourth year seminarian, served at the sanctuary to assist with various tasks and help manage pilgrims.

Carballo said the experience allowed for time to pray and be with the Lord while working alongside other volunteers. Garrido described the time spent at the sanctuary as a gift, noting that they spent time with the Blessed Sacrament and prayed the Rosary in the cave with the Virgin Mary.

The two seminarians observed that the sanctuary serves as a place for pilgrimage, prayer, and silence rather than just a tourist destination. Garrido noted seeing many families and pilgrims praying with tears of gratitude in the cave.

Authors will present spiritual books during the Literature and Faith cycle of the ExLibris International Week of Letters from September 21 to 25, 2026. The event takes place at the Conjunto Monumental San Juan de Dios in Murcia.

The program features daily presentations where attendees can meet the writers. José Sánchez Sanz begins the schedule on Monday with his book Cartas al corazón. On Tuesday at 17:00, José Carlos González-Hurtado will discuss Las evidencias de que Jesús es Dios. Wednesday features fray Luis Quintana, a Franciscan representing the Custodia de Tierra Santa en España, who will present Le ofrecieron un trozo de pez asado. Ana Medina and Antonio Sánchez Reina will also present their novel.

Cynthia García Egea, the coordinator for this cycle, noted that most presentations will begin at 18:00 except for the Tuesday session.

The Diocese of Osma-Soria presented its pastoral program for the 2026-2027 course on Wednesday, September 16. Under the motto "United in Mission," the program establishes a common direction for the life and pastoral work of the local Church over the coming months.

Diocesan Administrator Gabriel-Ángel Rodríguez Millán presided over the meeting, which included priests, members of religious life, and lay faithful. Because the diocese is currently in a period of vacancy while awaiting a new bishop, the program focuses on three themes: continuity, transition, and hope. Rather than starting a new plan, the document seeks to maintain current progress and prepare for the future.

The program incorporates contributions from various diocesan organizations, delegations, and deaneries. It organizes pastoral work into five priorities: announcing Jesus Christ and accompanying faith, forming disciples, walking together in unity, serving, and maintaining a presence in society. These priorities aim to strengthen missionary renewal, communion, and service.

Bishop Alfonso Carrasco met with Lugo Mayor Elena Candia on the morning of September 16, 2026, to discuss cooperation between the Diocese of Lugo and the City Council.

During the meeting, they discussed possible joint projects and the conservation and protection of historical and cultural heritage. The encounter reaffirmed the desire of both institutions to maintain collaboration on matters of common interest.

The Diocese of Ávila announced the death of priest Gregorio Rodríguez García at the age of 93.

Born in Barromán, Rodríguez García studied at the Diocesan Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1959. He served several parishes over his career, primarily in the Piedrahíta area, where he served as dean during the 1980s. His assignments included El Mirón, Arevalillo, Santa María del Berrocal, and Navahermosa. In the early 2000s, he served as parish priest for Riofrío, Aldea del Rey Niño, and Cabañas. He also directed the San Millán Priests' Residence for several years following his appointment in 1998.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Sagrada Familia parish in the city of Ávila. He was buried in the cemetery of his hometown, Barromán.

The Diocese of Cádiz y Ceuta has launched Cádiz Sacra Educativa, a program that offers students in Catholic Religion classes free visits to the Cádiz Sacra religious heritage route. The project allows students to see the artistic and religious sites that shape the history and Christian identity of Cádiz.

Apostolic Administrator Bishop Ramón Valdivia developed the program to help students experience in person the topics studied in their classrooms. The initiative addresses the third specific competence of the current Catholic Religion curriculum regarding cultural identity and heritage.

Students will tour the monuments of the Cádiz Sacra route accompanied by their religion teachers. The diocese intends for schools to include these visits as part of their annual programming as a complementary activity.

The monastery of Santa Ana and Santa María Magdalena in Lorca is hosting a concert series titled El juglar de Dios to mark the octavo centenario of the death of san Francisco de Asís. The Franciscan family is celebrating this Jubilee Year through the musical cycle, which uses music to share the legacy of the saint.

The second concert, titled Las llagas de san Francisco, is scheduled for September 17 at 20:30 in the monastery church. The duo Tessitura, featuring soprano Sara García and baritone and pianist Samuel Jesús Roldán, will perform. Franciscan priest José Hernández Valenzuela, OFM, will also provide reflections during the event.

The series continues with a performance by Ramón Muñoz Gonzálvez on October 30 at 20:00. The cycle will conclude on November 21 at 20:30 with a concert by organist Jaime Martínez Vivancos.

Bishop Fernando Prado Ayuso announced that the Diocese of San Sebastián will hold its first diocesan synod. The bishop stated that the process aims to listen, dialogue, and discern how to better evangelize and serve the people of Gipuzkoa in the coming decades.

The diocese will host a meeting to introduce the synod on Saturday, October 17, at the San Sebastián Seminary. This gathering will include prayer, Mass, and a shared meal.

Participants must register in advance by providing their names and personal information. Registration is required for all attendees, regardless of whether they plan to join the meal.

The Diocese of Cartagena's University Ministry will celebrate a Mass to open the academic year for public universities in the Region of Murcia on Thursday, September 24. The liturgy is scheduled for 9:00 at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Parish in the San Diego neighborhood of Cartagena.

Students, professors, researchers, and administrative staff from the Universidad de Murcia and the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena are invited to attend. Rectors and their teams from both institutions will also participate.

The event coincides with the national opening of the 2026-2027 academic year for universities, an act presided over by King Felipe VI. Pedro García Casas, the episcopal delegate for University Ministry, said the Mass allows the university community to entrust their studies, teaching, research, and work to God for the coming year.

The bishop of Cuenca delivered a homily during a solemn mass honoring María Santísima de las Angustias, the patroness of the diocese and the province of Cuenca. Speaking at her sanctuary, the bishop addressed the faithful regarding the dual names used to honor the Virgin on this day.

The bishop described Mary as the chosen creature tasked with the mission of being the Mother of God. He noted that her life was not easy, highlighting moments such as the initial confusion following the angel's announcement, the lack of basic necessities at the birth of Jesus, and the distress felt when Jesus was lost in the temple for 3 days.

Bishop Luis Ángel de las Heras presided over the main Mass for the feast of the Virgin of the Camino, the patron saint of the Leon Region, at the Basilica. During his homily, the Bishop of León called for people to seek reconciliation, peace, and closeness to build a society where citizens recognize one another as brothers and sisters.

The celebration included representatives from the local governments of El Voto, Villaturiel, Valdefresno, León, and Valverde de la Virgen. The liturgy also marked the 19th anniversary of the Redemptoris Mater Virgin of the Camino Seminary. The Bishop noted that the Virgin Mary encourages faith to be lived in community and communion rather than in isolation.

Bishop Jesús Rico García has announced new pastoral appointments for the 2026-2027 academic year across the Diocese of Ávila. The changes affect 34 parishes within five deaneries: Barco-Piedrahíta, Moraña, Tiétar, Ávila Rural, and Ciudad de Ávila. The announcement also includes the designation of a chaplain for the Asunción de Nuestra Señora diocesan college.

In the Barco-Piedrahíta deanery, priests Eduardo González Báez and Óscar Alberto López will serve together as pastors for Narrillos del Álamo, Santa María del Berrocal, El Mirón, Villar de Corneja, Hoyorredondo, Malpartida de Corneja, and Becedillas. Antonio Luis Nicolás Marín will serve as parish administrator for Arevalillo and Zapardiel de la Cañada. Kaspar Raj Chinnachamy will serve as pastor for Navalonguilla and as parish administrator for Nava del Barco, Navatejares, Tormellas, and Bohoyo. Additionally, Federico Valverde Bellido and José Luis de Santiago Gómez will serve as pastors for Becedas, Palacios de Becedas, Gilbuena, Medinilla, San Bartolomé de Béjar, Junciana, and Neila de San Miguel, while continuing their previous responsibilities.

Pope Leo XIV's writings and recent messages to Spain are guiding 29 seminarians at the Seminary of Vitoria during a week of spiritual exercises. Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde is leading the retreat, which runs until Sunday, September 20.

The seminarians are using the book Despertar a la vida diferente by Jesuit priest Ignacio Huarte to structure their daily prayer, silence, and Gospel meditation. They are also reflecting on texts from Pope Leo XIV and messages the Pope shared during his first visit to Spain in June.

Following the retreat, the students will begin classes on Monday, September 28. Enrollment remains open until Friday, September 25, which serves as the official opening of the new academic year. Francesc Torralba will deliver a lecture for the opening at 12:00 p.m. in the Aula Magna.

Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano, the Bishop of Urgell and Co-Prince of Andorra, welcomed participants of the XIX annual Conference of Presidents of the Small European States to the episcopal palace on September 14. The conference is being hosted in Andorra by the Consell General del Principat.

Accompanied by Carles Ensenyat, the Bishop met with delegations led by their presidents or vice-presidents to offer words of welcome and thanks. The visiting representatives included Manfred Kaufmann, Thomas Brezzo, Annita Demetriou, Thorunn Sveinbjarnardottir, Michele Muratori, Andrea Menicucci, Nikoll Camaj, and Mars Di Bartolomeo. The event was also attended by Xavier Espot, Frédéric Rose, Eduard Ibáñez, Conxita García, and Robert Mauri.

335 people from the Diocese of Vitoria participated in the 39th diocesan pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The group included children, young people, adults, and seniors traveling from Vitoria-Gasteiz, Llodio, Orduña, and other areas within the diocese.

The four day pilgrimage focused on supporting people with disabilities or fragile health. Volunteers and hospital workers assisted the participants during several religious activities, including a Eucharistic procession, a Via Crucis on the mountain, the blessing of water, and the celebration of the anointing of the sick. Participants also attended an international Mass and a Marian procession with candles.

The Diocese of Vitoria will resume the 07:30h Eucharist at the Egibide Jesús Obrero church starting Monday, September 14. This 25-minute service is intended for the Egibide educational community, including teachers and students, as well as any person from the city who wishes to attend.

The Eucharist will only be celebrated on school days. Access to the chapel is through Monseñor Estenaga street.

The Diocese of Osma-Soria officially began its 2026-2027 pastoral year with a Mass at the Sanctuary of Inodejo on Sunday, September 13. Diocesan Administrator Gabriel Ángel Rodríguez presided over the celebration, which included Julián Ortega, the delegate for the Pastoral Vicariate, and the sanctuary priest, Ángel Hernández.

During his homily, Rodríguez stated that forgiveness and mercy are necessary to live in communion and start the new pastoral year. He noted that the Church's mission continues during the vacancy of the see and encouraged the faithful to offer service and collaboration. He described the Concordia of Inodejo as a symbol of the diocese forming one Church through its various towns and communities.

The event was attended by priests, members of the diocesan curia, and local faithful. The diocese will present its 2026-2027 pastoral programming at the Casa Diocesana on Wednesday, September 16, at 17h.

Bishop Santiago Gómez Sierra ordained two new deacons for the Diocese of Huelva on Saturday, September 12.

The ordination ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy for seminarians Domingo Tejero Díaz and Yerso José Parra Altuve. During the homily, Bishop Gómez Sierra spoke about the diaconate as a ministry of service. He told the new deacons to live their roles through prayer, humility, and availability.

The bishop encouraged Tejero Díaz and Parra Altuve to be servants of communion and reminded them that administrators of God's mysteries must be faithful. He also warned against the harm caused by gossip.

Archbishop Enrique Benavent delivered the canonical mission to more than 300 religion teachers at the Valencia Cathedral to authorize them to teach the subject for the 2026-2027 school year.

The teachers, who work in public primary and secondary schools as well as Catholic and subsidized schools, received documents certifying their assignment. The ceremony included reflections from priest Javier Grande.

Bishop Santiago Gómez Sierra of Huelva has appointed a historical and archival commission to assist with the beatification cause of Madre Luisa Sosa Fontenla. The bishop issued the appointment by decree on September 2, 2026.

The commission members, who met with the bishop on September 11, include María Cinta Reglado Ortega, Aquilino Delgado Domínguez, Encarnación María Domínguez Durán, Julio Andrés Gutiérrez García, and Sister Inmaculada Florencio Pérez Durante. During a meeting at the bishop's residence, the members swore an oath to their roles in the presence of the bishop and the diocesan chancellor.

The group will work according to canon law to manage the historical and archival requirements of the beatification process. The meeting included Rubén Sánchez Arancibia, director of the diocesan secretariat for the cause of saints, and Juan José Travé, the priest of Nerva.

Vicar for Pastoral Ministry Andrés González Buenadicha is inviting parishes, pastoral communities, movements, and brotherhoods to attend the 18th Pastoral Week in the Diocese of Salamanca. The event will take place from September 17 to 20 at the Casa de la Iglesia.

González Buenadicha encouraged all members of the diocese to participate, noting that the goal is for every community, parish, and group to be represented. He stated that the importance lies in the presence of the people rather than the size of the group. He described the gathering as an opportunity for the community to meet and recognize themselves as a pilgrim Church.

The vicar specifically highlighted the Pastoral Day on Saturday, September 19, as a central part of the week. Those wishing to attend this session must register through the diocesan form by Tuesday, September 15.

Bishop Fernando García will preside over a Mass on Thursday, September 17, to mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year in the Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol. The event, held at the San Xiao Co-cathedral in Ferrol, is the first of its kind organized by the diocese and is open to teachers, non-teaching staff, families, and students.

The Mass will conclude with a ceremony to send off religion teachers receiving their mission this year. Before the liturgy, a training session will take place at 17:30 to discuss the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and the educational challenges of artificial intelligence.

Antonio Granados, the youth delegate for the Diocese of Ibiza, has joined the official Spanish youth delegation traveling to South Korea to prepare for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul.

The delegation, led by Francisco José Ramírez, includes 9 members from the Spanish National Youth Council. The group is visiting South Korea through September 17 to participate in the Second Preparatory Meeting WYD Seoul 2027, an event for youth ministry leaders organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.

The delegation is working in the dioceses of Uijeongbu, Daejeon, and Jeonju to develop a proposal for Spanish youth who want to participate in the event. These dioceses will host various activities during the World Youth Day before the central acts with Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop José Luis Retana presided over a Mass at the Salamanca Cathedral on September 8 to honor Nuestra Señora de la Vega, the patron saint of Salamanca. The celebration coincided with the solemnity of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Bishop Retana was joined by Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Río, members of the cathedral chapter, priests, and religious members of the diocese. Representatives from local administrations and institutions also attended the service.

During his homily, Bishop Retana presented the new pastoral year to the Virgin Mary, asking for her encouragement. He noted that God uses humble and simple things to accomplish great works and emphasized that God walks alongside his people through their strengths and weaknesses.

The Santa Marta de Tormes parish in the Diocese of Salamanca began a missionary program called Mission SM'26 on Friday, September 11. The program, which runs until early October, includes awareness activities, flyer distribution, visits to schools and residential homes, personal testimonies, sending masses, and an open house fair.

Parish priest Mariano Montero said the community wants to share the various groups and services available at the parish with neighbors who may not be aware of them. Montero noted that many new families arrive at the parish each year and the program aims to make the community more present in the municipality.

The project was organized by the parish council and the Iglesia en Salida group. Montero stated that after several years of holding various activities during September, the community decided to organize these efforts into a formal missionary path.

Father David is joining a missionary team in the Diocese of Tete, Mozambique, following a sending Mass held after he received his visa. He will work alongside a group of missionaries ranging in age from 40 to 90.

The priest began preparing for this assignment eighteen months ago after proposing to join the mission through the IEME. After receiving approval from Bishop Jesús Catalá and later Bishop José Antonio Satué, he underwent training that included visits to missionaries in Zambia and a course in Madrid. He also studied Portuguese in Lisbon.

David stated that his desire to serve in mission work began in primary school. While he previously offered to serve in Venezuela, he chose the Mozambique mission after social circumstances there became complicated. He intends to serve the territory of the Tete diocese alongside the existing missionary team.

The Diocese of Jaén has invited priests, deacons, religious workers, and laypeople to meetings to present the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2026–2027.

The presentations will take place through various vicariates at the start of the course. The diocese is using the theme "You are the light of the world" for this work plan.

Claretian missionaries have begun providing pastoral care for several parishes and communities in the Campo de Níjar region. The community officially took over these responsibilities during a welcome Mass held at the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Campohermoso on Tuesday, September 15.

The Claretians return to the Diocese of Almería to serve these areas starting this pastoral year. The transition includes the care of Campohermoso and San Isidro.

The Diocese of Córdoba is continuing restoration work on the Expectation chapel.

A team is working without interruption to return the space to its original splendor.

Lux Mundi invites people to participate in the Ecumenical Prayer for Creation this Friday, September 18, at 19.00 at the San Jorge Anglican Chapel. The theme for this year is “Agua Viva,” taken from the prophet Ezequiel.

The celebration will focus on water, including the Mediterráneo, the rivers of Andalucía, dams, and wetlands. The service includes prayers from various traditions adapted to the reality of Málaga, a gesture prepared with the Laudato sì platform, and music from the choir of the Santa Rosa de Lima parish.

Gloria Uribe, director of Lux Mundi, explained that the Tiempo de la Creación originated from an initiative of the Orthodox Church when Patriarch Dimitrios proposed September 1 as a day of prayer for creation in 1989. The Sibiu Ecumenical Assembly later proposed extending this celebration from September 1 to October 4 in 2007. In 2015, Pope Francisco officially established September 1 as the Jornada Mundial de Oración por el Cuidado de la Creación for the Catholic Church.

The Bishop of Almería delivered a homily during the installation of three Claretian priests as new pastors in Campohermoso.

The priests beginning their new assignments are Félix Jesús Martínez Lozano, Miguel Ângelo Cardoso Correia de Lemos, and Miguel Luis García Carreño. The ceremony included the local parish community, permanent deacons, the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and municipal officials.

Bishop Jesús Fernández celebrated his 71st birthday on Tuesday at the Bishopric.

The Bishop of Córdoba marked the occasion alongside members of the diocesan Curia.

The Diocese of Jaén will hold its first Circle of Silence for the 2026-2027 period on Thursday, September 17. This citizen-led event takes place every third Thursday of the month.

Loyola Teatro will perform the play El Gran Teatro del Mundo at the San Vicente Ferrer parish on Saturday, September 26.

The performance features the sacramental play written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. according to the Diocese of Córdoba.

The Diocese of Córdoba has reached the final phase of restoration work on the Ermita del Colodro.

The project began one year ago and has addressed various incidents during the construction period.

The Diocese of Málaga published a reflection on Our Lady of Sorrows, focusing on Mary's presence at the foot of the cross. The text notes that various titles used throughout the diocese, such as Amargura, Angustias, and Soledad, honor the sorrows of the Virgin Mary.

The publication features an anonymous image from the second half of the 19th century of María Santísima de Dolores y Esperanza. The reflection includes a prayer of consecration to Mary, asking her to lead believers to her son and to act as a compassionate mother for those in need.

The parish of Caleta de Vélez celebrated 80 years of Christian life and maritime tradition during a recent Eucharist. The community honored its history dating back to 1946, specifically recognizing the founders, benefactors, priests, and parishioners who built the parish.

During the celebration, the parish presented the Medalla Pro Ecclesia Malacitana to María del Carmen Pendón Martín for her service and dedication to the local community. The liturgy also included prayers for fishermen and maritime workers.

Parish priest John Fredy Echavarría said the anniversary served as a time to give thanks for eight decades of service and the community's identity. He noted the parish remains closely tied to the devotion of the Virgin of Carmen, the patroness of the area and protector of those at sea.

Bishop José Manuel Lorca Planes presided over the blessing of the San Roque hermitage in Fortuna to reopen the site for religious services. The reopening follows a six year rehabilitation process.

During the celebration, the image of the town's patron, Saint Roque, was carried in procession from the Parish of the Purísima back to the hermitage. Parish priest Juan Carlos Ponce noted that the event saw large crowds and described the restoration work as an impeccable effort by the team in charge of the project.

In his reflection, Bishop Lorca Planes invited the community to view the life of Saint Roque with joy and to see holiness as something attainable. Ponce stated that the hermitage holds special importance for the identity of the people in Fortuna.

Bishop Saiz urged sacramental brotherhoods to live through the Eucharist and protect their love for the Blessed Sacrament. He made these remarks following a series of worship services held in honor of Our Lady of Juncal.

The Hermandad Sacramental del Juncal de Sevilla concluded these services on Sunday, September 13. The events took place over several weeks within the Archdiocese of Seville.

Pope Leo XIV turned 71 on September 14, 2026, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Jesús María Moriana has arrived in Peru to begin his new assignment as the parish priest of Picota.

A missionary priest from the Diocese of Córdoba, Moriana traveled to Peru after expressing a long-term desire to participate in the mission. The Diocese of Córdoba reported that the local community in Picota welcomed his arrival.

The bishop presided over a regular mass at the Córdoba Cathedral before the Virgin of Villaviciosa processed through the city streets.

The Diocese of Córdoba reported that the brotherhood held the mass at the cathedral prior to the procession.

The Diocese of Málaga will host Franciscan Week at the Santo Cristo de la Salud church from September 28 to October 4. The program commemorates the 800th anniversary of the transit of St. Francis through various religious activities, including lectures, Eucharistic adoration, a concert, and Mass.

The week begins Monday, September 28, at 19.00 with floral offerings from the Reales Cofradías Fusionadas and the Congregación de la Divina Pastora, followed by a conference by Salvador Jiménez of the Orden Franciscana de los Frailes Menores. On Tuesday, the Cofradía de El Rico and the Hermandad de los Estudiantes will present offerings, followed by a talk from Ana Medina. On Wednesday, the Archicofradía del Huerto and the Hermandad del Santo Cristo de la Salud will participate in offerings before a conference by priest Francisco Aurioles de Gorostiza.

On Thursday, October 1, the hermandades of la Santa Cruz and la Esclavitud Dolorosa will present offerings, followed by Eucharistic adoration led by Pedro Marín Galiano of the Orden Franciscana Seglar. The scheduled offerings for Friday, October 2, include the Hermandades del Dulce Nombre de María, la Virgen de Araceli, and the parish groups of la Llaga en el Hombro and la Dulce Resignación.

Jose Gregorio Rodríguez was ordained a priest at Almería Cathedral and will begin his pastoral work at the parish of Vera, according to the Diocese of Almería.

Bishop Antonio Gómez Cantero ordained José Gregorio Rodríguez as a priest for the Diocese of Almería on Saturday, September 12.

The ordination took place at the Catedral de la Encarnación. Many priests joined Bishop Gómez Cantero to concelebrate the mass, and a large group of faithful attended the ceremony to support Rodríguez.

Bishop Antonio delivered a homily during the priestly ordination of José Gregorio Rodríguez. The ceremony included members of the local clergy, religious brothers and sisters, and parishioners from the various communities where Rodríguez previously served.

The third edition of the Materfest festival took place in Talavera de la Reina on September 4 and 5. Organized by the Basilica of Our Lady of Prado and the Talavera de la Reina center of the Association of Catholic Propagandists, the event combined music, culture, faith, and evangelization.

Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the festival during the proceedings.