SEVILLE
What a lot of enchantment this city of Andalusia exudes ! Both during the day and in the evening. When evening comes, the squares of the centre of the town seem to belong to the young who gather there in great numbers, shoulder to shoulder ! It is really impressive !
I was invited to go by the base Christian communities of Seville, and met them in a parish on the outskirts of the town. When these Christians gather together, they find joy in the meeting. When they disperse, they remain linked to each other in a network. They are never alone.
Before sharing the food that they had brought with them, we listened to the Gospel of the day. I admire their way of establishing a connection between the Gospel and life. For them, human life is the place of faith. They invite me to say some words, welcoming someone who has come from other places, as they are keen to hear about different experiences of life in the Church. Before the Eucharist, the assembly shows its generosity by making a collection which they ask me to take to Chiapas.
The Migrant Association received me in their headquarters where many young Moroccans are welcomed. Seville is not far from Morocco. The political authorities are getting harsher with regard those foreigners who are in an irregular situation. In Andalusia alone, in 1997, 17 000 migrants holding no papers were expelled. But many return ! And during 1997, about 100 were drowned or disappeared at sea.
The day closes with a talk at the University, which was followed by a very animated debate. On the following day, it was the turn of the communities of the Malaga region to gather in Antequera (160 kms from Seville). A great moment of joy and of evangelical simplicity.
That evening, a meeting had been arranged with young people from Valenciana, in the square facing the cathedral of Seville. A lot of people are still gathered together. I recall the legend of Dostoievski's Grand Inquisitor . Jesus is there, in this prestigious square, in the midst of the crowd. Everyone recognises him with secret joy in their hearts. There is a murmur of happiness. But the Grand Inquisitor appears and asks him to leave; Jesus should not be there, he made a mistake in appealing for freedom and for responsibility, the people are there to obey. The institution has taken hold of everything. Incense replaces prayer. Rites replace faith. Order is re-established... Jesus remains silent just as he did during his passion. He leaves. Because he is trusting and gives us the freedom to take our destiny into our own hands...It is getting late when I meet the young people of the Valenciana community. But it is never to late for a feast. Especially when in Andalusia.
