LThe Spanish Episcopal Conference has reported on the celebration of the spiritual exercises of the Spanish bishops from January 11 to 17, in which a total of 35 prelates are participating. The retreat is being directed by the priest Francisco Javier Mairata, vicar general of the diocese of Getafe. The official note specifies that the exercises will be held in Segovia and details the presence of the president of the CEE, Monsignor Luis Argüello, and his general secretary, Monsignor Francisco César García Magán, but avoids specifying the exact location where the meeting will take place.
According to Infovaticana, the exercises are taking place at Molino Viejo, a retreat center located in the province of Segovia and widely known in the ecclesiastical sphere for its historical connection with Opus Dei. It is the first retreat house of the prelature in Spain and is located in an isolated setting, surrounded by extensive green areas and designed for prolonged stays. Far from the austere retreat model, Molinoviejo stands out for its high-level facilities: large buildings, spacious and fully equipped individual rooms, modern conference rooms, library, well-cared-for dining rooms, and extensive gardens designed for walking and rest. The ensemble conveys an image of discreet luxury and high comfort, closer to that of an exclusive residence than to that of a traditional retreat house.
It is significant that, despite mentioning Segovia, the Episcopal Conference has chosen not to expressly identify Molinoviejo in its official communication. This omission takes on special relevance in the current context that Opus Dei is going through, immersed in a critical moment marked by the process of reforming its statutes and the redefinition of its legal framework following indications from Rome.
In any case, the meeting brings together this year 35 Spanish bishops at the beginning of a particularly demanding period for the Church in Spain. It is to be hoped that these days of retreat will provide them with clarity when facing the great challenges they assume and sufficient vision to exercise their responsibility inspired by faith and tradition, without falling into attitudes of accommodation or submission to economic and political power, maintaining an independent voice in an increasingly complex social and ecclesiastical context.