“I could say, without exaggerating, that **I have never perceived so much concentrated pain in so little space**.” Jesús Fernández, bishop of Córdoba, has been these days, together with other priests and members of the local Church, such as the parish Caritas, at the epicenter of the tragedy that Adamuz became, after the brutal train accident on the 18th, which cost the lives of 45 people and left dozens injured.
From the very first moment, the diocesan Church made its presence felt. Supporting, accompanying, comforting, listening, weeping with the people. Amidst that sadness, which the bishop describes as “indescribable,” Bishop Fernández and his priests were also impressed by other feelings they experienced in situ: that of solidarity, especially from the neighbors, but also that of “a profound sense of faith” that they felt among the victims and their families, as noted in an interview with Religion Digital.
Question. You have been in the ground zero of this catastrophe. How do you remember it?
**Answer.** I mainly established contact with the relatives of the victims who were neither rescued nor identified. The atmosphere was one of indescribable anxiety, tension, and sadness. I could say, without exaggeration, that I had never perceived so much pain concentrated in such a small space.
**Q.** From the first moments, the diocese of Córdoba has been present through its priests. How do you value this closeness?
R. Indeed, upon learning of the news, upon my return from a pastoral visit, I called the parish priest of the parish of Adamuz and he confirmed to me that the emergency plan was already underway: the church and parish facilities open and heated, the parish Caritas had opened its doors to offer food, drink, blankets… On the other hand, once the relatives were transferred to the city of Córdoba, we were also present at the civic center where they were to be at their disposal, to help them, comfort them, and support them spiritually as well. The same at the Reina Sofía Hospital Center, where the corresponding assistance was provided.
P. What do your priests convey to you?
R. They are very impressed, as are all, by the solidarity shown especially by the people of Adamuz. Furthermore, they are impressed because, despite the pain suffered both in the waiting and in the confirmation of the worst news, the people have shown serenity and, in many cases, a profound sense of faith. This tragic event has produced a strong spiritual impact. Those who have been unharmed or with minor injuries are grateful to God, while some who have not had the same luck.P. You have gone to see the injured in the hospital. How have you found them? What do they tell you?
R. In Reina Sofía Hospital, I especially visited the children. Thank God, no children died in the accident, but some suffered injuries. Those I had the opportunity to visit appeared calm, even with their toys, unaware that a family member has died. I also spoke with the hospital manager, who highlighted the great generosity of the staff who came in mass and immediately to open operating rooms and operate on the most serious cases. I also visited the Hospital San Juan de Dios. There I met some patients admitted to the ICU and their families who greatly appreciated my presence and even asked for my blessing. I also heard kind words and expressions of gratitude to the center’s staff for their magnificent care.
P. El Pope’s message for this year’s World Day of the Sick speaks of the compassion of the Good Samaritan and of bearing the pain of others. Isn’t this what we have seen these days in the actions of the neighbors of Adamuz?
R. I completely agree. In these situations, the best of humanity emerges, and differences in culture, ideology, political and religious affiliation are set aside to dedicate ourselves with effort to attending to those who need us. These events help us become aware of our fragility and the need we have for support networks. They even offer an opportunity to demonstrate that God is not apparently absent, but is present in so many generous hearts and hands that lift and support the injured.
Q. What does this example tell us in a time when brutality seems to gain ground in many political and collective behaviors, when precisely the other, the different, is turned into an object of hatred?
A. Indeed, this behavior represents a clear denunciation of those aggressive and exclusionary behaviors. In this sense, I would like to highlight the phrase that His Majesty King Felipe VI said to Julio, a sixteen-year-old young man who has given a great example of courage and generosity in attending to the wounded. His Majesty said that he saw in him reflected the Spanish youth. Hopefully, it is so because, then, Spain has a future.
P. How will the diocese of Córdoba continue to support the victims?
R. In addition to personal accompaniment to the people involved, who are very few from this Diocese, I will preside over a funeral mass next Sunday at eleven o’clock in the town of Adamuz. Subsequently, next week I will celebrate another in the Cathedral. And, of course, we continue to accompany them with our prayer.
José Lorenzo
Religion Digital
English version translated with AI