Bishop denounces destruction of the religious culture in Spain

Madrid, Spain, Sep 5, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Addressing thousands of faithful together with political leaders gathered in the Cathedral of Palencia, Spain, to celebrate its patron saint, St. Antolin, Bishop Rafael Palmero of Palencia denounced the “pulverization of religious culture” in Spain by the socialist government.

During his homily Bishop Palmero said, “The Catholic Church in Europe today is concerned, since this pulverization is occurring in Spain as well with the socialist government.”

“To all this must be added the increasing lack of belief among women, who have always been the ones to hand on the faith in the family,” he said.

Referring to the current moral crisis in the country, the bishop also said, “The resurgence of new religious movements and the sirens of secularization are alarming.”  In the midst of this situation, Bishop Palmero pointed to signs of hope, such as the presence and action of the Church in the American continent.   “America is the continent of hope for Catholicism,” he added.

During his homily, Bishop Palmero encouraged the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the patron saint.  “St. Antolin gave an example with his life of constant witness to the faith he professed.  He knew how to do it, sealing his preaching and his witness with his own blood,” he said.