Solemnity of Saint James the Apostle: A Call to Active Hope and Unity in Times of Uncertainty
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Galicia and universal destination for pilgrims, hosted the solemn Eucharist in honour of Saint James the Apostle. The ceremony, filled with fervour and profound significance, was presided over by Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, and was attended by civil and ecclesiastical authorities and hundreds of the faithful who had travelled from across Spain and abroad.
The National Offering: Tradition and Commitment
As every year since 1643, the day included the National Offering to the Apostle, established by King Philip IV as a sign of gratitude and unity. This year, the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda Valenzuela, acted as royal delegate and spokesperson for the nation before the Apostle’s altar. In his heartfelt address, Rueda called for cultivating fundamental values such as solidarity, justice and respect, reaffirming Galicia’s commitment as a plural, open land deeply tied to its Christian identity.
A Message of Active Hope
In his homily, Archbishop Prieto Fernández urged the faithful not to give in to the fear or disillusionment brought on by today’s challenges. Drawing on the message of Saint Paul, he reminded them that Christian hope is action, not passivity: “Every time we place the human being at the centre of our decisions, we are building a future where love and compassion prevail over indifference and injustice.”
The archbishop stressed that unity is not achieved through uniformity, but through respect for diversity, within a framework of harmony and collaboration. In a global context marked by armed conflicts, economic crises and social tensions, his message resonated as an urgent call to strengthen fraternity and commitment to the common good.
A Prophetic Denunciation of Injustice
During the ceremony, the Galician prelate did not shy away from the painful realities affecting millions of people. He condemned human trafficking, the exploitation of women in prostitution, violence against children and women, and the political exploitation of migrants.
In a firm voice, he reminded the congregation that “no human being can be reduced to a number or treated as a problem,” and called for dignified, fraternal treatment of the most vulnerable. He also spoke of the suffering of peoples caught up in conflicts, such as Gaza and Ukraine, offering prayers for peace and reconciliation.
Christian Roots and Social Commitment
Archbishop Prieto insisted on the importance of keeping Europe’s Christian roots alive, since they underpin the values of dignity, justice and fraternity that have shaped the continent’s history. He called on the Church to be a place of welcome and mercy, a true home where every person — especially those who feel cast aside — can find comfort, dignity and meaning.
“Every small act of love counts,” the archbishop affirmed, stressing that simple gestures of solidarity, the right words and open arms are seeds that proclaim the Kingdom of God amid difficulties.
A Call to Honesty and the Common Good
The prelate also asked for prayers for those who hold political and social responsibilities, reminding them that public service demands honesty and sincere dedication to the common good. He warned that corruption is a deep wound to justice and human dignity, calling for the building of solid, transparent institutions in the service of all.
Concelebration and Episcopal Fraternity
The solemnity was attended by prominent prelates, including Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Madrid, Antonio María Rouco Varela; Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago, Julián Barrio; Archbishop Emeritus of Tangier, Santiago Agrelo; as well as bishops of Lugo, Ourense, Mondoñedo-Ferrol, Tui-Vigo and Havana. This concelebration symbolised the communion of the Church around the Apostle and his universal message.
Saint James the Apostle: A Beacon of Faith and Guide on the Way
The feast day of the Patron Saint of Spain is much more than a tradition; it is a living reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, faith and hope light the way. Thousands of pilgrims who had completed the Camino de Santiago took part with emotion in this celebration, renewing the meaning of their journey and finding in the figure of the Apostle inspiration for their lives.
Solemnity of Saint James the Apostle
In a society marked by challenges and polarisation, the Solemnity of Saint James the Apostle stands as a beacon of active hope and human commitment. As Archbishop Prieto reminded us, every prayer, every simple gesture and every word of comfort bear witness that the light of faith does not go out. Under the Apostle’s protection, Galicia and Spain reaffirm their desire to build a more just, fraternal and united society, in which human dignity is at the centre of all actions.
