Priests help 50,000 people left homeless by fire in Spain

What is the role of the Catholic Church in combating the effects of the disaster?

The Church transformed parishes and sports centers into welcoming places. Under the supervision of auxiliary bishop José María Avendaño, Cáritas priests and volunteers offer not only shelter and food, but also attentive listening and spiritual comfort through confessions and masses, helping to alleviate the psychological trauma of those who lost everything in the flames.

How are children being supported during the crisis?

Local authorities specifically entrusted the care of minors to the parish. Volunteers and young people keep children entertained with constant games and recreational activities. This reception is so efficient for the well-being of the little ones that some even compare the situation to a holiday camp, reducing the stress caused by the forced evacuation of cities.

What happened to the minor seminary of the Diocese of Getafe?

Located in the Tiétar Valley, one of the hardest hit areas, the smaller seminary had to be hastily evacuated in just 25 minutes. Around 130 students and seminarians left the site due to the smoke siege. Heroically, the rector and his team managed to remove not only people, but also historical archives, religious statues and the Blessed Sacrament before the danger increased.

What is the biggest concern of religious leaders for the future of the region?

In addition to the immediate shock, there is concern about long-term economic survival. Many of these cities live exclusively off the land, and the soil destroyed by fire will prevent people from regaining their jobs and supporting their homes for years to come. Rector Eliert Jerez points out that many seminarians will face serious financial difficulties in continuing their studies.

Where does the motivation of volunteers to face the tragedy come from?

The motivation is based on what they call the supernatural vision of hope. Father Álvaro Piñero explains that the work is sustained by trust in divine Providence, which manifests itself in a tangible way through donations and the manual labor of countless volunteers. For them, the care they receive now is what gives them the strength to believe that there will be a tomorrow even after the destruction.