The dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota and plenipotentiary commissioner for Torreciudad, Monsignor Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, presided over the 34th Marian Day for Families in Torreciudad, which brought together more than 4,000 people.
The event also takes place against the backdrop of the complicated process that this Marian complex has been undergoing since 2023 with the Diocese of Barbastro–Monzón—a process that has been marked by various disagreements over this period. The most recent of these, just 24 hours before the event takes place. However, the tension reflected in the latest statement from the Diocese of Barbastro was not evident during the event, in which those present even applauded when Bishop Arellano Cedillo has appointed the bishop of Barbastro Monzón.
A day much like the previous ones
The day began at noon with prayer and the traditional offerings from families and various local organizations. In his homily, Bishop Arellano referred to the presence of the Regional Vicar of the Prelature in Spain, Ignacio Barrera, “whose presence honors us and strengthens the bonds of our ecclesial communion” and greeted “the Rectors of this church, Mr. Ángel Lasheras and Mr. José Mairal,” making a gesture of unity between those appointed by the Prelature and those appointed by the Bishop, the root cause of the current situation in Torreciudad.
“Faith is not an isolated experience”
Arellano delivered a “bridging” homily, in which he placed the work and spirit of Torreciudad within the context of the universal and local Church’s mission. In this regard, he recalled “the pastors who guided the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón” and expressed gratitude for the example set by “St. Josemaría Escrivá, a son of this land, who knew how to discover in ordinary life the place where God comes out to meet us and, through His grace, transforms our daily existence.”.
The family and its role in the life of the Church were the focus of the homily delivered by the Dean of the Tribunal of the Rota, who reminded the congregation that “faith is never an isolated experience or an adventure we undertake alone: each of us receives a story, bonds, a family, and a calling that are part of a greater History—one that God guides with infinite wisdom and mercy.”.
Thus, he emphasized, “Christian families, you are part of a living chain of faith and grace, in which what you have received becomes a gift for those who come after you: parents who teach their children to pray; spouses who patiently cultivate the art of forgiving and starting over; grandparents who sustain family life through their prayers; young people who sincerely seek God’s will. All of you are building up the Church.”.
Bishop Arellano also emphasized that “in Nazareth, divine love took the form of a home. But Nazareth was also the home where love learned the language of a faith tested by trials. It is precisely in the midst of trials that the truth of that enduring love is revealed.”.
In this vein, he continued, “the family is undergoing a true turning point,” and he referred to the most common problems facing families today: “the loneliness that creeps into so many hearts, the difficulty in building an indissoluble love, the wounds that are so often suffered in silence, and the temptation to live as if God were not necessary.” “In this context,” he emphasized, “Pope Leo XIV’s call to give special pastoral attention to families, accompanying them in their joys and difficulties, resonates with particular force.”.
A Beacon for Families
Bishop Arellano praised the work of Torreciudad, noting that “at the heart of the Barbastro-Monzón Diocese, Torreciudad stands as a true beacon of hope for families.”.
He also spoke of the thousands of people who, every year, visit the Virgin at the new shrine in Torreciudad: “In this shrine, Mary welcomes her children with the tenderness of a Mother who understands, comforts, and remains close to them. Here, every family can learn from her to preserve the faith amid difficulties, to trust when the path becomes arduous, and to remain under the merciful gaze of Christ.”.
Finally, the plenipotentiary commissioner for Torreciudad asked “Our Lady of the Angels of Torreciudad to grant us the grace to understand that holiness is not a legacy reserved for the past, but a living call that God addresses to each one of us today, here and now.”.
«We're waiting for the Pope in Torreciudad»
At the end of Mass, Rector Ángel Lasheras expressly thanked Bishop Arellano for his presence on this occasion and conveyed a message to Pope Leo XIV: «We love him very much and look forward to welcoming him to the Shrine so he can get to know it.».
Pope Leo XIV, for his part, has sent his apostolic blessing to the participants in this event.
50 Years of Torreciudad, as We Understand It Today
With this event, the Marian complex marks the half-century anniversary of the new shrine—initiated by St. Josemaría Escrivá and inaugurated on July 15, 1975, with a Mass offered for the repose of the soul of the founder of Opus Dei, who had died a few days earlier in Rome.
This year, the speakers at the conference will be the influencer couple Quique Mira and María Lorenzo, founders of Aute and Proyecto Caná, who will lead discussions with attendees on topics such as family, young people, and love and marriage today.
During the event, basic hygiene products were also collected for vulnerable families; these will be distributed in collaboration with Cáritas Diocesana de Barbastro-Monzón.
Español 
English 
Italiano